Comprehensive Youth Development congratulates SoVonna Day-Goins, who has been named Chair of CYD’s Board of Directors. SoVonna is a Managing Director at Credit Suisse and has been a CYD Board member since 2017. She succeeds Pam Craig, a former CFO of Accenture, who served as CYD Board chair since 2012.

“It is timely and exciting that SoVonna is succeeding me as Chair,” said Pam. “She is committed to the mission of advancing our young people, and she will bring ideas and tremendous energy to help CYD grow.”

SoVonna strongly believes that an inspired education means leading with social and racial justice inside and outside the classroom. “I am honored to have been selected for this new role. Understanding how I valued educational equity, I was introduced to CYD by my friend, colleague, and fellow board member Jackie Krese. I was drawn into CYD’s focus of Preparation Meets Opportunity, and the updated mantra to Rise Up, which teaches young people self-advocacy paired with academic/career/college counseling, tutoring and other social services to help them become independent, resilient and self-sufficient. I am intimately aware of the many challenges children of color face in school systems and beyond. I recognize the power of teaching youth how to be self-advocates and the importance of valuing non-traditional paths to success.”

“It is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic, economic dislocation, inequity of distance learning and the racial crisis have impacted our students disproportionately. I will lead through the multiple lenses of my life as a 25-year veteran of financial services, a woman of color, a wife and mother of two young adult African American females. I am excited about this journey alongside a highly engaged, skilled and supportive Executive Director, CYD Staff and the entire Board of Directors.”

“Welcome, SoVonna!” said Michael Roberts, CYD Executive Director. “It’s a critical time in our history and for New York’s youth. I’m looking forward to working with SoVonna in carrying out CYD’s mission to prepare young adults for successful futures.”