Meet the Executive Team

Meet the Executive Team

Meet the Executive Team

Committed to holistic youth development.

SO Elite & ROSS Leaders Ambassador
SO Elite & ROSS Leaders Ambassador
Wenyen Gabriel
Wenyen Gabriel is an NBA veteran, Olympian, and South Sudanese national team standout whose journey has inspired a new generation of South Sudanese and African athletes around the world. Over the course of his NBA career, Gabriel has competed at the highest level with the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Los Angeles Lakers.Now competing internationally with FC Bayern Basketball, Gabriel continues to bring elite insight, professionalism, and lived experience to student-athletes in our program. Beyond basketball, Wenyen has been deeply committed to philanthropy, mentorship, and long-term investment in the future of South Sudan through SO Elite and ROSS Leaders.
Wenyen Gabriel is an NBA veteran, Olympian, and South Sudanese national team standout whose journey has inspired a new generation of South Sudanese and African athletes around the world. Over the course of his NBA career, Gabriel has competed at the highest level with the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Los Angeles Lakers.Now competing internationally with FC Bayern Basketball, Gabriel continues to bring elite insight, professionalism, and lived experience to student-athletes in our program. Beyond basketball, Wenyen has been deeply committed to philanthropy, mentorship, and long-term investment in the future of South Sudan through SO Elite and ROSS Leaders.
Founder - SO Elite Director
Founder - SO Elite Director
Majak Wenyin
Majak Wenyin is the Founder of SO Elite Basketball and ROSS Leaders. Born in South Sudan and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Majak was motivated to help young students earn college scholarships through the game of basketball. Since 2016, SO Elite has helped guide and mentor student-athletes through education, skill development, and collegiate recruitment.Guided by Majak's leadership and love for supporting young people, SO Elite is one of the most successful basketball programs in the country, with more than 100 student athletes earning full-ride scholarships to college. Today, ROSS Leaders and SO Elite operate as a unified ecosystem, providing students with a holistic support system that integrates academic guidance and elite athletic development.
Majak Wenyin is the Founder of SO Elite Basketball and ROSS Leaders. Born in South Sudan and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Majak was motivated to help young students earn college scholarships through the game of basketball. Since 2016, SO Elite has helped guide and mentor student-athletes through education, skill development, and collegiate recruitment.Guided by Majak's leadership and love for supporting young people, SO Elite is one of the most successful basketball programs in the country, with more than 100 student athletes earning full-ride scholarships to college. Today, ROSS Leaders and SO Elite operate as a unified ecosystem, providing students with a holistic support system that integrates academic guidance and elite athletic development.
Founder - ROSS Leaders CEO
Founder - ROSS Leaders CEO
Jacob Idra
Jacob Idra is the Founder and Executive Director of Republic of South Sudan (ROSS) Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the livelihoods of South Sudanese-American immigrant communities across the United States. Jacob and his team founded ROSS Leaders, an organization that focuses on youth development and community enrichment programs in Omaha, Nebraska, and beyond. ROSS Leaders has grown from a grassroots movement to a nationally recognized organization, impacting the lives of underserved youth and shaping the next generation of leaders across diasporic communities in the U.S. Their work bridges education, sports, cultural preservation, and community engagement to ensure every young person feels seen and supported to reach their full potential.
Jacob Idra is the Founder and Executive Director of Republic of South Sudan (ROSS) Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the livelihoods of South Sudanese-American immigrant communities across the United States. Jacob and his team founded ROSS Leaders, an organization that focuses on youth development and community enrichment programs in Omaha, Nebraska, and beyond. ROSS Leaders has grown from a grassroots movement to a nationally recognized organization, impacting the lives of underserved youth and shaping the next generation of leaders across diasporic communities in the U.S. Their work bridges education, sports, cultural preservation, and community engagement to ensure every young person feels seen and supported to reach their full potential.

Acheil Tac

SO Elite Women's Director (Dallas, TX)

Acheil Tac

SO Elite Women's Director (Dallas, TX)

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Awal Ajak

SO Elite Women's Director (Des Moines, IA)

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Awal Ajak

SO Elite Women's Director (Des Moines, IA)

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Nyaduoth Lok

SO Elite Women's Director (Australia)

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Nyaduoth Lok

SO Elite Women's Director (Australia)

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Samuel Idra

SO Elite Director (Omaha, NE)

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Samuel Idra

SO Elite Director (Omaha, NE)

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Monytung Maker

SO Elite Director (Manchester, NH)

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Monytung Maker

SO Elite Director (Manchester, NH)

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Oumaru Kante

SO Elite / ROSS Leaders (Phx, AZ)

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Oumaru Kante

SO Elite / ROSS Leaders (Phx, AZ)

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Mike Contreres

SO Elite Director (Phx, AZ)

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Mike Contreres

SO Elite Director (Phx, AZ)

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JJ Dobuol

SO Elite Director (St. Cloud, MN)

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JJ Dobuol

SO Elite Director (St. Cloud, MN)

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Kuok Chuol

SO Elite Director (St. Cloud, MN)

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Kuok Chuol

SO Elite Director (St. Cloud, MN)

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Henry Giant

SO Elite Operations Director (National)

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Henry Giant

SO Elite Operations Director (National)

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Wade Mangar

SO Elite South Sudan Director

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Wade Mangar

SO Elite South Sudan Director

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Magok Marial

SO Elite SSD Program Director

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Magok Marial

SO Elite SSD Program Director

Give Hope Today.

Invest in a Future Leader Today.

Your gift directly supports our four pillars—Education, Wellness, Culture, and Career Exploration ensuring every dollar translates into a tangible opportunity for a South Sudanese American youth.

Give Hope Today.

Invest in a Future Leader Today.

Your gift directly supports our four pillars—Education, Wellness, Culture, and Career Exploration ensuring every dollar translates into a tangible opportunity for a South Sudanese American youth.

Give Hope Today.

Invest in a Future Leader Today.

Your gift directly supports our four pillars—Education, Wellness, Culture, and Career Exploration ensuring every dollar translates into a tangible opportunity for a South Sudanese American youth.