New York City's efforts to tackle disparity and nurture the potential of its young men of color took a notable step forward with the appointment of James Stratford as the Executive Director of the Young Men's Initiative (YMI). In an announcement made yesterday by Mayor Eric Adams, Stratford is recognized not just for his ample experience in nonprofit and youth development, but also for his personal narrative as a native New Yorker who grew from city-led youth programs to a leadership role meant to redefine them.
"In our administration, we are led by New Yorkers who bring their full lived experience to move their agencies and offices forward, use their personal story to create better policies, and, ultimately, build a stronger city — and James Stratford is no exception," Mayor Adams remarked, acknowledging that Stratford embodies the very ethos the YMI aspires to instill in the city's youth. Stratford's appointment comes with a background of over two decades in the nonprofit sector, a timeline peppered with roles that highlighted his dedication to public service and community empowerment, according to the City of New York's official press release.
Sideya Sherman, the Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice (MOERJ), lends her voice to the chorus of approval, stating that "James has a strong track record of championing underserved communities and leveraging his lived experience and exceptional leadership skills to drive meaningful change. His dedication to helping young people overcome obstacles and realize their full potential is truly inspiring. I am excited to see his leadership and vision continue to uplift and inspire communities across our city through the vital work of YMI." Stratford himself, in a quote obtained by the City's website, reflected on his path from growing up in the Bronx to leading the charge: “Growing up in the Bronx, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of opportunity, mentorship, and support. As the new executive director of the Young Men’s Initiative, I am honored to lead this critical work and build on a legacy that has impacted so many lives across our city."
The YMI operates under the auspices of the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice and focuses on young men of color between the ages of 14 and 26, aiming to iron out disparities in education, employment, health, and justice. Stratford is set to oversee nearly $30 million in annual investments toward high-impact programming designed to elevate these young men, building on Mayor Adam's broader vision for gender equity as outlined in initiatives such as NYC Her Future. Backing Stratford's experiential and leadership pedigree, New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar said, “Someone dedicated to justice and equality, James Stratford will bring to the job over two decades of experience in nonprofits and youth empowerment, as well as his life experience partaking in city programs. Under his leadership, YMI will continue its outstanding work to uplift young men of color through mentoring, education, career programs, and life coaching. Together, we will fight for a city that supports all New Yorkers,” as noted by the city's press release.
Stratford's professional roadmap includes a tenure as chief strategy officer at FAN4Kids, where he was credited for significant organizational shifts and forging robust partnerships. He also served at A Second Chance Inc., where he managed a significant budget and led strategic efforts in the realm of Kinship Foster Care services. What perhaps cemented his aptness for the YMI role was his 10-year stint at Phipps Neighborhoods, where he evolved from participant to overseer of youth services programs. His credentials are further bolstered by being a 2024 Coro Leadership New York Fellow and a 2023 American Express Global Leadership Academy Fellow. Primo Lasana, executive director of Reading Partners, and Garrett Lucien of the Coro New York Leadership Center are among those supporting Stratford.
