Cynthia Strother
Senior Director of Workforce and Education Strategy

Cynthia P. Strother is a dedicated professional with a passion for empowering communities and nurturing youth potential. With a rich background in program management, education, and community development, Cynthia has made significant contributions to build the capacity of the youth development field and bring models and systems that improve organizational effectiveness. 

Throughout her professional journey, Cynthia has held several key roles, each allowing her to hone her expertise in program management and community engagement. Her current role is Senior Director of Community Education and Schools at Phipps Neighborhoods in the Bronx, NY. In this capacity she leads strategic initiatives to deliver high-quality after-school programs and family engagement services to over 1,000 students across eight schools and two community centers. Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving positive outcomes and fostering a culture of excellence within her department. 

During her tenure at the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) she held roles as a Project Manager in the Service-Learning Unit and Deputy Director of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). In this capacity, she spearheaded the operations of a citywide mentoring program, nurturing the growth and development of hundreds of youths across various sites and she played a pivotal role in the successful launch and management of a school-based SYEP service option across over 90 NYC public schools. Her collaborative approach, coupled with her ability to forge strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, ensured the seamless execution of programs aimed at enhancing youth empowerment and employability.   

Cynthia's journey into community service and education began early on, fueled by her innate desire to make a positive impact on her surroundings. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications with a minor in Psychology from Baruch College, City University of New York in 2009, Cynthia embarked on a mission to leverage her skills and knowledge to uplift underserved communities. 

In addition to her professional endeavors, Cynthia remains deeply committed to giving back to her community. Her involvement as Co-President of the Post Road School PTA from July 2022 to November 2023 underscores her unwavering dedication to supporting educational initiatives and enhancing the school experience for students and families alike. 

Cynthia's relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with her passion for community empowerment, continues to inspire those around her. As she continues to make strides in her career, she remains steadfast in her commitment to creating lasting change and empowering the next generation of leaders.