The Board of Directors of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy (ICAA) is delighted to announce the selection and hire of Desiree Gordon as Executive Director, effective Monday, February 12th. Desiree brings a rich tapestry of experience in the arts and culture nonprofit sector, most recently serving as Innovation, Grants, & Strategic Partnerships Director at Brooklyn Arts Council. Her passion for social innovation, equity, community and empowering leadership make her the ideal candidate to guide the organization into its 35th year and well beyond.
A Yale University graduate with an interdisciplinary degree in American Studies, Desiree’s vision and ingenuity have enabled a track record of engagement and impact. Her prior roles have intersected community investment, grant making, cultural production, partnerships and strategy at anchor organizations in New York City’s creative ecosystem such as The Brooklyn Museum, CCCADI and Studio Museum in Harlem. She has extensive skill sets in program design, strategic innovation and stakeholder management.
Stepping into leadership as a seasoned member of the Ifetayo community affords us a smooth transition as we thank outgoing Executive Director, Naima Oyo, for her years of service to the organization, having overseen a move into permanent space at the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Center. Ifetayo stands well poised to continue its important work to create a society where every child of African descent is valued and thrives.
Please join us as we welcome Desiree to build on the work and legacy of Founder Kwayera Archer who conceptualized and created an institution that would infuse excellence into our communities at the highest level and harness in our youth the power to transform social inequity.