One Day’s Wages Welcomes Carissa Youssef as New Executive Director

After nearly 15 years of dedicated work in the fight against extreme poverty, One Day’s Wages is thrilled to announce the appointment of Carissa Youssef as the organization’s new Executive Director. Founded by Eugene and Minhee Cho in 2009, One Day’s Wages has been a catalyst for change, channeling resources from generous supporters to fund grassroots organizations around the world. With the addition of Carissa to the team, the organization is poised to expand its impact and continue its mission of alleviating poverty.

On behalf of the board and ODW team, Minhee and I are thrilled to welcome Carissa Youssef to our team as the new Executive Director of One Day’s Wages. While Carissa certainly brings a wealth of experience in international development, fundraising, communications, and not for profit management to the role; even more importantly she embodies a deep commitment to both our core values and our mission to alleviate extreme poverty around the world. 

“As we embark on the next season at ODW, Carissa’s expertise will undoubtedly propel us further along our trajectory of impact, working alongside our team, you – our incredible partners, and our trusted partners worldwide. We are confident that Carissa’s leadership will drive us towards a future filled with more opportunities to invest into families and communities as we pursue our shared aspiration of a poverty-free world”. – Eugene Cho

Carissa Youssef, incoming Executive Director, is also enthusiastic.

“I am overjoyed and humbled to join the outstanding team at One Day’s Wages. The values and operations of the organization deeply resonate with my personal commitment and calling to walk alongside the vulnerable, amplifying their dignity as they work to create flourishing futures for their families. I am dedicated to the mission of ODW and eager to collaborate with partners and supporters in making lasting impact.”

Born in Chicago, Carissa lived throughout the Midwest until her family settled in Seattle in 1993. After graduating from Woodinville High School, Carissa moved to British Columbia, Canada to attend university where she earned her BA in Communications and later her MBA. In 2006, Carissa and Bob were married and today live in Abbotsford, BC with their two daughters Alexandria, 13, and Abigail, 11. She looks forward to reengaging with her previous community in the greater Seattle area and traveling throughout the United States inviting like-minded individuals passionate about ending poverty to join in the work of ODW.  

In the coming weeks, Carissa will engage with the One Day’s Wages community, connecting with partners, donors, and advocates who share the organization’s vision. The board of One Day’s Wages is confident that Carissa’s leadership will bring fresh perspectives and further enhance the organization’s trajectory of success.