During the transition from childhood to adulthood, youth face rapid physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. Navigating adolescence can be challenging, especially for youth living in disadvantaged circumstances. That is why Wyman’s priorities remain focused on empowering teens through innovative programs filled with powerful, transformative, fun experiences; equipping adults who serve youth to improve their skills and relationships with teens; and strengthening systems to create more equitable opportunities for all teens.
Wyman is ready to meet the challenges ahead, even as we learn and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for the next 3 years. Our priorities are focused on:
- Direct programming that serves young people right here in our region. We will continue to offer innovative programs, filled with powerful, transformative, and fun experiences to the young people we serve. We commit to providing programs that produce outcomes for academic success, life and leadership skills, and forge healthy relationships and connections.
- Equipping adults who work with young people. Successful programs depend on highly skilled adults who build healthy relationships with young people and support them in achieving their goals. Wyman provides training for adults to increase their skills and competencies in working with teens and to replicate our proven teen programs.
- Supporting and strengthening the systems that impact young people. The systemic inequities in our society create barriers for the teens we serve. We have a responsibility to influence, support, and strengthen youth-serving systems, to advocate with partners and coalitions for better policies, and to help young people prepare for leadership and elevate their voices in matters that impact their lives and futures.
Wyman’s leadership and organizational structure will always adapt to fulfill on our mission, values, and strategies and lean into our strengths and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are excited to announce the following changes to Wyman’s Executive Leadership Team:
Christina Donald now serves as the Senior Vice President, Advocacy. Christina has
been with Wyman for 21 years, most recently as Senior Director, National Network where she led the growth of Wyman’s National Network to 71 partners across the United States. These partners contract with Wyman for staff training and then replicate Wyman’s evidence-based programs to tens of thousands of teens. In her new role of Senior Vice President, Advocacy, Christina will lead the establishment of Wyman’s advocacy platform and strategic areas of focus. This includes public policy work, working with aligned coalitions, and infusing youth voice and leadership throughout Wyman.
Allison Williams shifts to Senior Vice President, Wyman’s National Network and Strategic Initiatives. Allison has been with Wyman for 22 years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Programs where she led the strategy, implementation, and management of Wyman’s mission programs that reach over 25,000 youth across the country. In her new role of Senior Vice President, Wyman’s National Network and Strategic Initiatives, Allison will lead strategic growth in Wyman’s National Network, align Wyman’s resident camp to strategically serve our mission year-round, guide our Research and Learning Department, and leverage emerging areas of growth and promise.
DeVonne Wilson (previously Bernard) is now Senior Vice President, Programs.
DeVonne has been with Wyman for 23 years, most recently serving as Senior Director, School and Community Based Programs where she led the effective implementation of Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program and Teen Connection Project in the region and supported teens through strategic community partnerships. DeVonne also collaborated with Wyman’s Research and Learning department to build a robust continuous quality improvement model. In her new role of Senior Vice President Programs, DeVonne will lead the strategy, growth, and continuous quality improvement for all of Wyman’s direct service programs in the region.
The Executive Leadership Team also includes: Joe Miller, Senior Vice President, Partnerships, who continues to lead Wrap Around Services in the School District of University City and will work closely with Christina on public policy related to educational equity and systems reform; Kristine Raterman, Senior Vice President, Donor Engagement & Communications (formerly Advancement), who continues to lead a culture of philanthropy centered on Wyman’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and Claire Wyneken, President and CEO.