Dion-Jay (“DJ”) Brookter
Chief Executive Officer
Young Community Developers (YCD)
What does your work as a mentor look like these days?
As the CEO of YCD, my role as a mentor embodies several key principles that are fundamental to my approach in guiding, supporting, and leading the team. Fostering relationships without burning bridges is a core value in my mentoring philosophy. I believe in nurturing connections with individuals at all levels, whether they are team members, partners, or funders. By cultivating open communication, respect, and empathy, I can build lasting relationships that endure beyond immediate circumstances. I strongly believe in preparing and empowering the next generation of leaders within our organization. Mentoring involves more than just guiding individuals; it’s about time, patience, training and grooming them to potentially take on greater responsibilities. I am committed to identifying and nurturing talent, empowering potential successors to seamlessly transition into leadership roles. Furthermore, my mentoring extends beyond the immediate confines of my position. I actively engage in mentoring circles, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, fellowships, and workshops. This approach empowers individuals but also creates a sustainable framework for continuous learning and growth.
What’s on the horizon for the organization?
Expansion. While YCD celebrates the 50th year of our organization’s contribution to the Southeast Sector residents of San Francisco, we look towards the future to continue developing an increased capacity to serve a greater number of community members with services supporting them from cradle to career and beyond. In the same vein, we strive to establish the creation of social enterprises born out of workforce development training, and expand our visibility through obtaining Black-led ownership of our organization’s headquarters. As we enhance the scope of our services, we recognize the importance of building long-lasting connections both within our organization and in the wider community. YCD acknowledges the value of personal engagement beyond our digital presence, understanding the importance of boots on the ground, face-to-face interaction with those we serve. Our dedication lies in remaining deeply connected to our community by understanding their needs and tailoring our strategies to maximize effectiveness.
How has the organization changed over the years?
Over the course of the past three years the capabilities and infrastructure of our organization has expanded, as well as our ability to increase our sustainability across multiple levels. Our commitment to the community reflects through our efforts to strengthen connections among people, groups, and networks by enhancing influence through formal and informal activities. Within our organization, our employee wellness initiatives, professional development, and overall sense of purpose has grown exceedingly through intentional programming throughout each quarter of the year. For several years, YCD has provided trauma-informed care, which understands and considers the impacts of trauma and promotes environments of healing and recovery rather than services that may inadvertently re-traumatize. We take a strengths-based engagement approach with our community to meet them where they are and clarify areas that may need additional attention and support. As a developing organization, we firmly believe that the foundation is the starting point for everything we do. Through establishing cross departmental teams, network collaborations, cross-sector partnerships, and authentic relationships, we’ve constructed a resilient structure that will withstand any transformations and expansions. After celebrating a half-century of community-based work, we look forward to another 50 years, and beyond. Cheers to continuous progress and prosperity!
Established in 1973, Young Community Developers, Inc. (YCD) is a 50-year-old 501c (3) community-based organization that provides a variety of training and support opportunities for residents of the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco. Per year some eighteen hundred individuals (1,800) receive employment and training related services through YCD. The targeted population is among the hardest to serve. Over the years YCD has successfully operated both educational and employment-based training opportunities for residents of the Southeast Sector. YCD believes that every individual should have the right to sustainable and generational economic mobility. We impact lives! Positively impacted lives empower people to break cycles of poverty for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Young Community Developers is an honoree of the 2023 Community Alliance Awards // Social Impact Award which recognizes organizations or individuals for extended commitment to community service or significant contribution evidenced by a positive impact on urban, environmental, or neighborhood issues.