FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Laura Trask
Director, Development and Communications
[email protected]
Washington, D.C. (July 9, 2026) — Today, Ayuda announced the appointment of Dr. Mamadou Sy as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). With over 20 years of experience leading human services, nonprofit management, and mission-driven work, he will enhance Ayuda’s programs for the local immigrant community and help guide the implementation of its upcoming 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan.
“Beyond bringing a rich background in strengthening organizations that serve immigrants, Mamadou shares our belief that every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive,” said Paula Fitzgerald, Ayuda’s Executive Director. “At a time when immigrant communities continue to face escalating threats, Mamadou’s leadership brings the exact expertise that Ayuda needs to provide long-term, holistic support to our clients.”
Previously, Mamadou served as COO at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), an immigration relief and refugee welcome agency based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. During his two decades of tenure, the LSSNCA team facilitated the resettlement and integration of more than 15,000 refugees.
“Throughout my career, I have learned that organizations like Ayuda make an extraordinary difference, not only through the services they provide, but through the compassion, expertise, and commitment of the people who deliver them every day. That is one of the reasons I am so excited to join the Ayuda team,” shared Mamadou.
Mamadou’s work will focus on sustainably building up operational systems to better serve the needs of Ayuda’s staff and clients.
Mamadou holds a Ph.D. in Egyptology from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, and is also a published author. His track record of leadership also includes roles with the Maryland Governor’s Commission on African Affairs, the Baltimore Mayor’s New Americans Task Force, and Virginia’s Cultural and Linguistic Competency Advisory Committee.
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About Ayuda:
Ayuda provides direct legal, social, and language access services to low-income immigrants in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Since 1973, Ayuda has served more than 150,000 immigrants throughout the region. Ayuda is the only nonprofit service provider in the area that provides a wide range of immigration and family law assistance, social services, and language access support for all immigrants – including women, men, and children – from anywhere in the world. Visit www.ayuda.com to learn more.