A Warm Welcome to Our New LAYC Board Chair, Yvonna Stevens!

We are thrilled to announce Yvonna Stevens, as our new Board Chair of the Board of Directors at Latin American Youth Center!

Yvonna Stevens is Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President of the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and has served on the Board of LAYC for the past five years, including serving as Vice Chair of the Board, and Chair of the Board Investment & Audit Committee. She leads IYF’s international efforts in finance, accounting, compliance, operations, human resources, and IT operations. She also serves on the boards for the World Trade Center Institute CEO Council, Coalition for Racial & Ethics Equity in Development and Global Health Council, and Poets & Writers. She also volunteers as a Scholars Program Mentor with the Obama Foundation. With her diverse background in international nonprofit operations and finance and life-long commitment to positive youth development, she brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to LAYC.

To celebrate this exciting new chapter, we sat down with Yvonna to learn more about her journey and goals for LAYC. Here’s what she had to say:

What are you most excited about being LAYC’s new board chair?

I am humbled to serve as LAYC’s new board chair after serving on the board for over 5 years. I am most excited because this aligns with my purpose and passion in life, which is investing in young people, our upcoming generations, and where we have the greatest opportunity for return on investment. As LAYC’s new board chair, I look forward to being a servant leader and engaging with LAYC’s board, Lupi (President & CEO), every one of our staff, and the young people and communities we serve.

What does your mixed identity mean to you?

My mixed identity is not just in my DNA, it is something I cherish, celebrate, and carry with me to show up authentically and as my whole self. My mother is British and white, and my father is half Black and half Puerto Rican. Having family in London, Puerto Rico, and the US mainland is fun as there is always a good reason to travel, visit, and spend time making memories with family. I embrace and celebrate all the cultures, languages, food, music, and traditions that come with each element in my mixed identity. My life journey and experiences being a mixed woman have enabled me to have a genuinely diverse perspective, to value diversity, and to seek out opportunities to elevate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and belonging in my spheres of influence such as in my community, on my corner, and in my workplaces. Finally, I am intentional about sharing my DEI lens in everything I do, from coaching young people to recruitment.

Do you have a favorite LAYC moment that resonates with you?

It’s difficult to pick one favorite moment. If I must choose one, the career panel was a special memory as I got to interact directly with LAYC youth, share my journey, answer their questions, and get to know them. I remember connecting with several Latina and Black young ladies during the table rotations. They were engaged and energized. They asked me about Morgan State, sports, and choosing a major. It is a memory I cherish very much.

How does LAYC’s mission relate to your core values?

As a single mother of two young men and a former youth boys basketball coach in the Catholic Youth Organization, I know firsthand from my journey that there is nothing more important than the development of young people. It is why I have also worked for over 22 years at the International Youth Foundation (IYF). I am very intentional about walking my talk with actions as it relates to young people, including them, listening to them, and ensuring they belong and have safe spaces and zones.