Pinar R.O.This is one of the most incredible interviews I’ve had the honor of conducting—we laughed, we cried, and we reflected deeply. Let me tell you something: fathers are incredibly important figures in a girl’s life. My words today are for men who have daughters—be a great role model and show up for them because your influence can help shape a young woman who will go on to change the world. Why?
Because Christina Sass’s story is proof of this. A visionary leader and global changemaker, Christina’s journey is one that bridges education, opportunity, and sustainable employment for underserved youth worldwide. From her early days working in China, Kenya, and the Middle East to co-founding Andela Inc. and now leading the International Youth Foundation (IYF), Christina’s impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her work is a reflection of the values instilled in her, her belief in potential, and her ability to see hope where others see barriers.
This story is not just about success—it’s about how belief, opportunity, and great role models can help young women grow into fearless leaders who reshape the world. I invite you to read Christina’s story and find inspiration in her words, her work, and the people who supported her along the way. Fathers, this one’s especially for you—your role in your daughters’ lives matters more than you know.
“His story taught me that even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes with the right opportunities. It’s a legacy I’m determined to honor.“
Christina draws profound inspiration from her father’s immigrant journey. Arriving in the U.S. after World War II, he began his career moving boxes in an IBM warehouse and retired after a 32-year tenure in management. “His story taught me the importance of persistence, opportunity, and support systems,” she shares.
“One day, he noticed the most expensive parts of the keyboards were going missing,” Christina recalls. “In broken English, he suggested a system to track and secure them. His boss told him, ‘Why don’t you build it?’ And he did it the best way no one was expecting.” That system launched him on a 32-year career at IBM, where he rose to management. Christina reflects, “His story taught me that even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes with the right opportunities. It’s a legacy I’m determined to honor.”
Under Christina’s leadership, IYF has launched impactful programs addressing systemic youth employment challenges. In Mexico, her team partnered with FedEx to train young women in logistics—an industry traditionally viewed as unsuitable for women—resulting in life-changing job placements. Similarly, through its Capital Juvenil program, IYF worked with the banking sector in Mexico to revise outdated hiring practices, opening doors for technical school graduates to become bank tellers. “It’s about making real matches between what employers need and what young people can offer,” Christina says, highlighting a near 70% job placement rate for program participants.
Around the world, IYF has implemented similar models in countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and the United States. In collaboration with IYF, McDonald’s surpassed its global Youth Opportunity goal to reduce barriers to employment for 2 million young people by providing pre-employment job readiness training, employment opportunities, and workplace development programs. “Our success is measured not only by job placements but by the quality and longevity of those jobs,” Christina emphasizes.
Christina’s leadership philosophy is shaped by her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to collaboration. “I believe in building teams where each person excels in their area and feels empowered to lead,” she explains. Guided by executive coaching and her experiences at Andela, Christina focuses on designing strategies that inspire action while acknowledging her own strengths and limitations. “Seeing yourself clearly and surrounding yourself with complementary talent is key to effective leadership,” she says.
Christina envisions IYF scaling its life skills training programs and pioneering initiatives like green skills education to prepare youth for climate-resilient jobs. Strategic collaborations with global companies play a central role in her strategy. “Our goal is to equip millions of young people with the skills and opportunities to thrive in sustainable careers,” she says. To learn more about the transformative programs IYF is driving, and the impact they’re having on youth worldwide, explore IYF’s newly released 2024 Impact Report: Innovation in Action.
For aspiring changemakers, Christina advises a balance of passion and practicality. “Find what drives you, look for opportunities that align with your purpose, and be relentless in pursuing them,” she urges. For women in philanthropy, she offers a candid perspective: “Recognize the barriers, seek allies, and once you’re in a position of power, ensure you create pathways for others.”
Reflecting on her career milestones, Christina describes ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ with the IYF team as a highlight. “It was a bucket-list moment and a recognition of our mission on a global stage,” she says. With employees tuning in worldwide, the event symbolized the collective impact of IYF’s work and its bright future.
Christina Sass’s leadership and vision continue to transform lives, proving that young people everywhere can achieve their potential and build meaningful futures with the right connections and opportunities.
Interview: Pinar Reyhan Ozyigit
Editor: Emre Berent Yucel
“Success isn’t just about job placement—it’s about the quality of those jobs, how long they stay, and how happy the employer and the young person are. Work gives dignity and purpose, and I aim to ensure that we’re not just training young people but setting them on a path to resilience and self-sufficiency.“
Can you share your journey leading up to becoming the CEO of IYF?
The first part of my career was focused on quality education—if you get quality education to those who need it, it’s transformative. I worked in China, the Middle East, and Kenya, but I saw that young people faced significant barriers to entering the workforce despite varying education. Employers demanded experience, and there was no real merit-based system. That’s when I realized the problem wasn’t just education but the broken pathways between education and employment.
I returned to graduate school and focused on bridging those gaps, connecting education systems, employers, unions, and stakeholders. After working with the Clinton Global Initiative and the Mastercard Foundation, I co-founded Andela to create sustainable employment pathways for young talent. It was incredibly fulfilling but also challenging. I eventually stepped back from Andela and focused on investments in workforce development. Then, I got the call about leading IYF—it felt like destiny. The opportunity to directly address the systemic issues I care deeply about was too good to pass up.
What motivated you to focus on youth development and empowerment?
A lot of it came from my father. He immigrated to the U.S. from Germany after World War II with almost nothing. His first job was picking up trash in a park and moving boxes in an IBM warehouse. Over 32 years, he grew within IBM because they recognized his potential, supported his learning, and gave him opportunities. His journey taught me the importance of an education and an employer willing to invest in your growth.
My father’s story has profoundly impacted my life and career. It’s why I’m so passionate about helping young people access the opportunities they need to succeed.
What are the mission and vision of IYF, and how do they align with your personal values?
Our mission is to empower young people globally with pathways to sustainable careers. Success isn’t just about job placement—it’s about the quality of those jobs, how long they stay, and how happy the employer and the young person are. Work gives dignity and purpose, and I aim to ensure that we’re not just training young people but setting them on a path to resilience and self-sufficiency.
What are two initiatives or programs you are currently leading?
In Mexico, we partnered with FedEx to train young women, who were initially studying to be secretaries, for logistics roles—a field traditionally seen as ‘not for women.’ Logistics jobs pay six times more, and by re-skilling these women and working with FedEx, we’ve placed hundreds in high-paying roles. This is part of a larger impact, with more than half of the job-seeking graduates securing employment within six months of completing their training.
Another program involves banking in Mexico. Historically, banks required a university degree in economics just to become a teller—an unnecessary barrier. We worked with the industry to remove this requirement and developed specialized training for technical high school graduates to prepare them for roles in banking. This change not only helped reduce turnover but also opened doors to thousands of young people, providing them with real opportunities for career growth in a previously inaccessible sector.
Are there global implementations of these models?
Our newly released Impact Report: Innovation in Action shows that in 2024, 95% of youth in our programs gained new hard skills, and 98% saw measurable growth in socio-emotional skills. These results are a testament to the power of our programs, which we’ve replicated across countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and the U.S. In South Africa, we’re working in the automotive industry. In Ethiopia, we’re addressing workforce gaps in technical fields. In the U.S., in collaboration with IYF, McDonald’s surpassed its global Youth Opportunity goal to reduce barriers to employment for 2 million young people by providing pre-employment job readiness training, employment opportunities, and workplace development programs. It’s all about connecting youth with real opportunities.
Are there any upcoming initiatives or goals?
We’re expanding partnerships with organizations like The Burberry Foundation, through Burberry Inspire, a global youth engagement program designed to provide safe spaces outside of schools for young people to explore their creativity, develop new skills and foster positive change in their lives and in their communities. We’re also partnering with Microsoft to integrate AI skills into existing curricula. Additionally, we aim to scale our life skills program, Passport to Success, to reach millions of youth globally.
What does ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ signify for IYF?
It was such a surreal moment. Seeing our team’s hard work recognized on that scale—broadcast live with our logo in Times Square—was a bucket-list moment. It symbolized the global impact of IYF’s mission and the dedication of everyone involved. It’s an evergreen moment in our history, something we’ll keep celebrating for years.
Can you share significant milestones in your career?
One major milestone was co-founding Andela and creating pathways for young talent in Africa. Another was the decision to walk away from a fully-funded PhD at Harvard to focus on building Andela. It was terrifying but absolutely the right call. And, of course, the opportunity to lead IYF—a role that feels like a culmination of everything I’ve worked toward.
How about leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?
I focus on building strong, complementary teams. I know my strengths—I’m great with big ideas and strategy—but I’m not a day-to-day details person. So, I surround myself with people who excel in areas where I don’t. I also believe in empowering local leaders and creating space for their expertise. I aim to inspire teams toward a shared vision while ensuring everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed.
Did you have mentors or role models?
Yes, absolutely. My father, my co-founder Jeremy Johnson, and my coach, Jeff Hunter have been major influences. Jeremy and I were the CEO and COO at Andela, and his challenge to me— “Let’s just build it” —was pivotal. That’s why I left Harvard to fully commit to Andela, and it was the right decision.
I had a phenomenal coach, Jeff Hunter, who runs Talentism. His methodology really shaped me: “The real work is to see yourself very clearly, particularly your limitations—what you’re not good at—and then design a team around yourself.” This principle has had a profound effect on my leadership style.
Additionally, while at the Mastercard Foundation, I chaired a group of 13 leaders in youth education and employment. This group, called ‘Collaboration for Impact,’ became a massive source of support and influence in my career. They offered me the chance to become a junior member while leading Andela, and their mentorship played a crucial role in launching the company.
What advice would you give to young people aspiring to make a difference?
Find what makes you burn. Pay attention to what excites you, even when no one’s watching. Then, look for ways to turn that passion into your career. Don’t settle for just any job—look for roles where you can learn, grow, and make an impact. And always find mentors who can guide and challenge you.
What advice would you give to women wanting to work in philanthropy?
First, recognize that many systems are still deeply sexist—acknowledge it, face it, and don’t stay in environments where you’re undervalued. Seek out organizations and mentors that are genuinely committed to equity. Once you’re in a position of power, use it to create opportunities for other women. Hire diverse teams, mandate gender-balanced leadership, and always advocate for equality.
