Contributed photos
Joanne Sciulli and Candace Jones Wright.
Joanne Sciulli, who has run New Haven’s Solar Youth program since founding it 22 years ago, is stepping aside to make way for new leaderhsip.
Sciulli made the announced Friday in an email blast.
The retirement takes effect June 1.
Candace Jones Wright, the green nonprofit youth development organization‘s operations director, will step into the role of interim executive director. Sciulli plans to “transition to the role of Strategic Advisor,” she wrote.
Maya McFadden Photo
Solar Youth’s Trailbazer Team uses hedge shears last month to officially open a new West Rock trail.
The full text of the email follows.
It is with great excitement that I announce, after 22 years as Founder/Executive Director, I am stepping down from my leadership role of Solar Youth. I made this decision after careful thought over several months in consultation with the Board of Directors, leadership staff, but mostly with myself and my family.
While my deep passion for the mission of Solar Youth and the families we serve continues to thrive, and I am excited for brewing possibilities for the organization’s next phase, there has been an ever-increasing calling to focus more on my family.
As I watch my young daughter grow, and have begun to literally re-embrace my parents post-Covid, who moved to Connecticut 3 years ago to be closer, I recognize that being spread too thin leaves too little for anyone.
In addition, as Solar Youth defines its NEXT 20 years, I strongly believe that the journey be driven by new leadership with the energy, focus and passion for both vision and execution.
This exciting transition begins on June 1st, when long-time Solar Youth Operations Director Candace Jones Wright steps in as Interim Executive Director. Candace has been the heart of Solar Youth and my partner through highs and lows for the past 12 years! I am confident in her ability to take the reins during this transition period, with the dedicated support of our Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Angel Gomez. A transition team has formed to also start identifying a new Executive Director.
On June 1st, I will transition to the role of Strategic Advisor, here to support Candace and the Board in whatever capacity I am needed, for as long as is needed, to help Solar Youth move into its next phase.
This begins with coaching staff in the development of our summer 2021 programs. After a year of so many unknowns, pivots, escalation of inequities and exhausting disconnection, we are deeply inspired to create a summer of unmatched connection and JOY for our youth! During the summer, I will work on “special projects” to ensure the long-term success of this enormous transition. After that, my plans are delightfully undefined. :)
Solar Youth is entering an incredibly exciting time — rebuilding from challenges of recent years, but also soul-searching for how to continue and increase the critical role it has in the lives of amazing young people.
To be sure, transitions of long-time leaders, and especially Founders, are super tricky. This news may be received with questions, curiosity and even concern. But rest assured — while I have certainly not successfully tied up all loose ends (yet ;)) — in the end, 3 core factors exist:
WHAT WE DO: Over the last 20 years, the participants, families, staff and Board of Solar Youth have, through on-the-ground experience, built a model of youth development that is unique and highly effective (especially when adequately resourced);
WHO WE ARE: The current staff and board leadership are dedicated to moving through this transition period thoughtfully, with open hearts and minds focused on what’s most important — supporting the success of our amazing youth; and
WHAT’S POSSIBLE: There are tremendous opportunities brewing for renewed organizational vitality as change comes to the neighborhoods we serve, renewed recognition of the critical need for quality youth development programs and with it potential new financial investments. Out of the pivotal events of 2020 that cast a spotlight on the legacy of racism and white supremacy in our country, there is also much deeper recognition of the embedded barriers to ‘success’ black and brown youth face. Each of these have the potential to create a blueprint of deeper impact and a more sustainable organizational footing.
My invitation to you, our FOSY (alumni, families, partners, funders and donors), is to be a part of this moment. Join me in my philosophy of “Glass Always Full” (not half empty or half full, but always FULL, with ½ water and ½ air) and see this moment as one of POSSIBILITY.
In addition, I ask you to ask yourself “what can I do?” Along with patience as we navigate this new territory, given your connection to Solar Youth, what can YOU add to the journey? As an alumni, youth or parent, how can your voice add to the visioning process? As a partner, where are there creative spaces of collaboration yet to be tapped? And as a funder or donor, how can your past dedication blossom into continued support to build a stronger, more impactful Solar Youth?
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and I welcome all of your thoughts and questions. Please reach out to any of us.
With Love and Gratitude,
Congratulations Joann! You have so much to be proud of with Solar Youth and the young people it has engaged over two decades! I wish you well in your next endeavor and with your family.