Youth Represent is excited to welcome Jeanne Byrd Adams and Ayirini Fonseca-Sabune as our two newest members of our Board of Directors.
“We are so thrilled to announce that Jeanne and Ayirini are joining the Board of Directors. Both are champions for young people and deeply committed to the mission of Youth Represent,” said Board Chair, Maggie Lear. “Their experiences and perspectives will only strengthen our already amazing board of experienced, passionate, and driven advocates for youth.”
The 11-member Board plays an important part of executing Youth Represent’s upcoming strategic growth and development plan, as well as supporting our staff to bring our mission to life.
Byrd Adams, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at Morgan Stanley, said she was directly connected to the work Youth Represent was doing and believes in it “wholeheartedly” when she worked with Year Up New York, a partner organization of Youth Represent.
“I was fortunate enough to work with both organizations working towards an aligned mission,” said Byrd Adams. “I'm looking forward to learning, growing, and contributing to the Board and organization. Given my direct experience working as a staff member at one of Youth Represent’s partner organizations, I'm grateful to share these direct experiences.”
Fonseca-Sabune is an attorney, educator, advocate, and principal and founder of Rini Fonseca-Sabune Consulting LLC. As someone actively involved in racial equity and social issues, she is looking forward to continuing to serve young people and protect their legal rights.
Like Byrd, Fonesca-Sabune has “been a friend and fan of Youth Represent since 2012 when I first learned about YR’s great work providing holistic support to young people" involved with the criminal legal system. “I’m thrilled to support an organization providing such essential services to our young people when they need it most and Youth Represent's communities, clients, and staff at this critical moment.”
“There have been several additions to the board over the last few years and each board member brings their own unique skill set and experiences, as well as an incredible depth of personal and professional experience to Youth Represent,” Executive Director Michael Pope said. “It’s truly an exciting time at Youth Represent and we are so pleased that Jeanne and Rini are able to bring their insights and perspectives.”
In addition to Bryd Adams and Fonseca-Sabune, other incredible Board members include Maggie Lear, Richard McKeon, Roberta Meyers Douglas, Colin H. Mincy, Hitha Palepu, Joel Copperman, Kevin Baisden, Nathalie Berger, and Wes Korantang.
Find out more about all of the Youth Represent Board of Directors on our website.
Welcome New Board Members