Jade Obayuwana was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and relocated from Atlanta GA to Kauaʻi to join PAL Hawaiʻi as Chief Operating Officer. She came to the United States to pursue higher education, earning a B.A. in Biology from New Mexico State University, a Graduate Certificate in Grant Writing from Temple University Harrisburg, and a Master of Development Practice degree from Emory University with a focus in Program Management and Monitoring & Evaluation.

Before joining PAL, Jade built a diverse career advancing the work of mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit and academic sectors. She worked with congressional subcommittees to champion increased U.S. foreign aid appropriations and stronger accountability for frontline health services as an Advocacy Fellow with the Fund for Global Health; strengthened arts-based community engagement and program evaluation as a Research Administrative Coordinator with Emory University’s Arts and Social Justice Program; advanced care equity and partnerships across Africa with Caring Africa; and supported national STEM education initiatives as an Associate Specialist with the Society for Science.

Jade is passionate about helping nonprofit and mission-driven organizations build strong operational systems and manage programs that create meaningful social impact. She loves traveling, trying new cuisines, and reading. Outside of work, Jade serves with her local church as a youth leader and program manager where she mentors young people and leads community outreach and food pantry programs that bring hope and practical support to families in need.