Yohannes Wolday

Yohannes Wolday joined the Craft3 Board in 2026, bringing more than two decades of experience advancing equitable economic development and community-centered solutions in the United States and around the world.

Growing up in a multicultural refugee community, Yohannes experienced firsthand the barriers that can prevent communities from working together to create change. Those experiences continue to shape his commitment to expanding access to opportunity and building systems that help people and communities thrive.

Today, Yohannes serves as Social Innovation Director at Metro, where he leads cross-sector partnerships that identify, invest in, and support community-driven solutions across the Portland metropolitan region. His work focuses on bringing together public, private, nonprofit, and community partners to address complex challenges and advance shared prosperity.

Prior to joining Metro, Yohannes held leadership roles with global organizations focused on economic opportunity and community development. As Country Director for Mercy Corps in Kenya, he oversaw a $150 million portfolio and a team of more than 250 staff supporting programs that reached more than 2.5 million people. He later served as Director of Global Programs, supporting teams across more than 40 countries implementing locally driven solutions. At the Nike Foundation, Yohannes led initiatives to expand economic opportunities for young people in countries around the world.

Yohannes is drawn to Craft3's commitment to using capital as a tool for positive change and creating pathways to opportunity for communities that have historically been underserved. He lives in the Portland region with his family and enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.