IYT Bay Area Executive Briefing: March 2026
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Executive Summary
This month, IYT Bay Area focused on deepening our community roots and expanding future educational pathways for our young men. Bay Area Executive Director Dr. Erica Conners was recognized by the City of Richmond for helping shape accessible, community-driven grantmaking, and she drew profound inspiration on leadership and racial justice from civil rights icons at the Black Freedom Fund convening. As we carry this momentum into the spring, we are actively preparing to take our Brothers on their first major college tour of the year at Stanford University. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to community power, equity, and educational access.
Community Leadership
City of Richmond Award of Appreciation
In February, IYT Bay Area Executive Director, Dr. Erica Conners, had the distinct honor of receiving an Award of Appreciation from the City of Richmond for her contributions to the Richmond Department of Children and Youth’s Participatory Grantmaking Pilot.
This experience allowed Dr. Conners to work alongside dedicated community organizations serving youth across Richmond, CA. It provided an incredible opportunity to engage deeply in the grantmaking process, advancing meaningful, community-driven change while collaborating with colleagues to make the application process more accessible for future grantees. Beyond the operational success, this initiative helped strengthen a powerful new network of community partners across Richmond—relationships rooted in a collective commitment to expanding opportunities for young people. This recognition reflects the shared dedication of everyone working to uplift Richmond’s youth.
The Black Freedom Fund: Culture, Capital & Community Power
A few weeks after the Super Bowl, Dr. Conners had the privilege of attending "The Playbook: Culture, Capital & Community Power," a convening hosted by the Black Freedom Fund.
The panel featured inspiring voices, including Angela Davis, Isaiah Thomas, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, and Oakland’s Marshawn Lynch, offering a transformative discussion on sustaining racial justice work across generations. The panel delivered profound messaging about leadership, accountability, and equity—complete with archival storytelling and a powerful call to action.
The event served as a poignant reminder that creating a brighter future for the young men IYT serves requires resilience, dedication, and a coalition of youth, families, funders, and local businesses. In honor of Women’s History Month, IYT Bay Area would like to specifically highlight two of those powerhouse speakers: American political activist and author Angela Davis, and Representative Jasmine Crockett, whose leadership continues to inspire our mission to lead with humility and hope.
Expanding Horizons: Stanford University College Tour
IYT Bay Area is thrilled to announce that our first college tour of the year will take place at Stanford University!
During this upcoming visit, our Brothers will explore campus life firsthand, learning about dorm living and the wide range of student organizations available to undergraduates. In addition to touring the grounds, students will gain valuable insight into the college admissions process, including exactly what it takes to apply and succeed at a highly selective university.
This experience is designed to expand college awareness, increase exposure, and help our Brothers confidently envision themselves thriving on a university campus. We are looking forward to a highly impactful visit!
Leadership Update: Bay Area Board of Advisors
We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Bay Area! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.
Featured Advisor
Courtney Slocumb
Consultant, Fund Development
"I have experience with college and career readiness, and community work is my passion."
Funder Acknowledgement: Champion Spotlight
At Improve Your Tomorrow, we are deeply grateful for the generous support of funders from across the nation who make our work possible. Your contributions fuel life-changing programs that empower young men of color to achieve their full potential in education, career, and community leadership. Together, we are building brighter futures and stronger communities.
Thank you for believing in our mission!
Tipping Point Community
Crank Start
Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services
Goodwin Family Memorial Trust
Teichert Foundation
Contra Costa County
Crankstart Foundation
Antioch Community Foundation
Greenbridge Family Foundation
Kimball Foundation
Ross Stores Foundation