Dr. Stephanie McGencey is a results-driven manager and staunch advocate for children, youth, families, and communities. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Equity Center and Action Network (WE CAN), a grassroots advocacy organization that educates, engages, and activates women of color. She is the former Executive Director of the American Youth Policy Forum, a national, nonprofit organization that works to educate, engage, and inform policymakers and practitioners about education, youth, and workforce policies to improve the lives and outcomes of traditionally underserved youth.
She has over 26 years of progressive experience in public health (health education), community and organizational development, and program management. Her work with youth, women, community coalitions, and underserved populations on issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health, early childhood, youth development and substance abuse prevention has enabled her to develop a unique understanding of the types of supports needed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and families.
She has served as Executive Director of Grantmakers for Children Youth and Families, Senior Director of Private Philanthropy at the Council on Foundations and, most recently, as the Senior Director of the Ready Reentry Project for the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, an organization focused on solving social challenges through collaboration.