About Gede

Cynthia Ticao

Executive Director



Cynthia Ticao holds a doctorate degree in psychology from McGill University, Montreal, Canada and a master's degree in psychology from the University of the Phillippines. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of the Phillippines in the Visayas.

Before joining Gede Foundation, Dr. Ticao was a faculty member of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) for twenty years. She has taught courses in social psychology, personality, research and group dynamics. She served as Division Chair of the Division of Social Sciences, UPV College of Arts and Sciences from 1995-1997 and became the first Director of the UPV Learning Resource Center from 1997-2001. She has participated in research projects on nutrition education, nutrition evaluation and monitoring, population dynamics, subjective well-being, and compliance with fisheries regulations, funded by CIDA, UNFPA/FAO, ICLARM, the National Nutrition Council, and the University of the Philippines.

Dr. Ticao was the Foundation’s first employee hired by Dr. Abubakar in January 2002. Since then, she has assisted in the planning and implementation of program activities in Nigeria, facilitated the first fundraising event in Washington, DC and continues to supervise all of the Foundation’s service programs. In line with Dr. Abubakar’s vision, she is working in coordination with Board to achieve the Foundation’s goals.