For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility

Helping the Community Have a Better Quality of Life

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New Board Chair

The Dryades YMCA is delighted to announce the election of Tenisha Stevens as the new board chair during the board meeting held on March 26, 2024. Stevens succeeds Bishop Tom Watson, who served as the chair since 2022.

In her new capacity as board chair, Tenisha is expected to contribute to the organization's mission of fostering equal opportunities for individuals in Central City and the City of New Orleans. Her extensive experience as the Criminal Justice Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, along with her unwavering commitment to serving others, will fortify the DYMCA in its pursuit to create a more inclusive community.

As the Criminal Justice Commissioner, Stevens' responsibilities encompass community relations, providing executive leadership for the New Orleans Criminal Justice Council, and coordinating collaborative efforts across municipal, state, and federal agencies to address violence and victim assistance. Her role also heavily emphasizes the promotion of racial equity, reentry services, and the reformation of the criminal legal system.

In addition to her new role as DYMCA’s board chair, Stevens actively participates in several other boards, including the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, Metropolitan Human Services District Board, New Orleans East Hospital Board, Covenant House of New Orleans Board, Total Community Action Inc. Board, New Orleans Job Corp Board, and Dillard University Alumni Board.

Stevens expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored and grateful to accept the position of Board Chair at Dryades YMCA, and am excited to further its mission to cultivate healthy, confident, connected, and secure individuals, families, and communities. This work matters and is necessary to advance a safe and thriving New Orleans."

Dryades YMCA Swimming Lessons