NYLC Senior Vice President Weah to Lead New Nonprofit Supporting Youth

NYLC’s Senior Vice President Wokie Weah will be leaving the National Youth Leadership Council in March to serve as the first president of a new out-of-school-time nonprofit intermediary based in Minneapolis. With initial start-up funding from the McKnight Foundation and other local foundations, the organization will work in the Twin Cities metro area to increase the quantity and quality of activities for youth beyond the classroom.

“I have gained so much in my 18 years at NYLC,” said Weah. “This role is a natural extension of that work and an opportunity to lift up a new vision for how young people can have an impact in Minnesota.”

“Wokie has been a visionary leader in moving the field of service-learning forward, and although she will be sorely missed by the entire team at NYLC, we are excited for her and the possibilities of ongoing work together,” said NYLC CEO Kelita Svoboda Bak.

The programs Weah led and directed in her wide-ranging work at NYLC, include the National Service-Learning Conference, the Urban Institute, the National Youth Leadership Training, and NYLC’s youth-led achievement gap initiative.

“I am confident that NYLC will continue to build on the solid foundation of these initiatives under Kelita’s leadership,” said Weah.

Weah will assume the new role with “OST Minnesota” (working title) March 21, and will participate in this year’s National Service-Learning Conference in Atlanta April 6-9.

“I will carry the values of NYLC with me as my work continues, focusing on cultivating the skills of diverse young people, striving for equitable practices in working with communities, and growing opportunities for youth/adult partnerships,” said Weah.

Bak added: “NYLC’s programs and direction owe much to Wokie’s dedication over many years. I know she will use her new role to create new and meaningful opportunities for all young people to grow and contribute to their communities, and we wish her every success.”