Christine Addo, Founder & Executive Director

Christine founded PathFinders Youth Initiative out of a deep commitment to helping young people discover meaningful pathways to success, especially those who may not see college as their only or best option. After years of working in youth development and educational programming, Christine noticed an increasing number of students uncertain about their next steps after high school. Many had ambition and potential but lacked exposure to the opportunities, mentors, and experiences that could help them thrive.

Before launching PathFinders, Christine served as an administrator for the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), where she supported the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), a national initiative that empowers high school students to pursue research and STEM education. She later became a Program Manager at American University, overseeing the Public Service Work Study Program (PSWSP),  a need-based program connecting students with community organizations and public service roles that strengthened their academic learning while building professional experience.

Through these experiences, Christine saw firsthand how structured mentorship and career exposure can transform a young person’s sense of purpose. Her work with AEOP and American University deepened her belief that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not — and that bridging that gap requires both compassion and creativity.

Driven by this mission, Christine founded PathFinders Youth Initiative to provide youth with the resources, mentorship, and skills they need to navigate life confidently, whether they pursue college, vocational training, or entrepreneurship.

“I founded PathFinders Youth Initiative because too many young people are told what success should look like instead of being shown all the ways it can. Every young person deserves the chance to explore their passions, gain experience, and build a future they’re proud of.”
— Christine Addo