Harlem Children's Zone Executive and Leadership Team

Kwame Owusu-Kesse, the Chief Executive Officer at Harlem Children's Zone, directs the overarching strategic vision for educational and health initiatives. Owusu-Kesse manages the expansion of community-based programs, ensuring alignment with the mission to provide holistic support for families. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all service pillars. This role involves scaling the impact of the organization to reach more youth throughout the New York City region. Kwame Owusu-Kesse monitors performance metrics to guarantee that every program meets rigorous standards of quality and efficacy. Through active engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for sustainable growth. The leadership of Owusu-Kesse fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, directly supporting the long-term development of the Harlem community while maintaining the integrity of the core service model.

Simrat Chatrik, the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Harlem Children's Zone, manages the daily operational flow and strategic priorities for the executive suite. Chatrik coordinates complex projects that bridge the gap between high-level vision and departmental execution. By facilitating communication across the organization, the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer ensures that leadership objectives remain synchronized with the needs of the Harlem community. Simrat Chatrik oversees the administrative infrastructure that supports the delivery of educational and health programs. This role requires constant interaction with internal teams to streamline workflows and improve organizational efficiency. By managing the executive agenda, the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer enables the leadership team to focus on critical growth initiatives. Chatrik maintains the operational rhythm necessary for the organization to function effectively while delivering essential services to families across the city.

Geoffrey Canada, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Harlem Children's Zone, architects the foundational philosophy and long-term mission of the organization. Canada provides the guiding vision for all educational, health, and parent-training programs. By championing the cause of systemic change, the President & Chief Executive Officer influences policy and community engagement on a national scale. Geoffrey Canada collaborates with the Board to ensure the organization remains true to the original commitment of supporting youth in New York City. This leadership role involves advocating for the needs of the community and securing the partnerships required to sustain the model. Through the strategic direction provided by the President & Chief Executive Officer, the organization continues to refine its approach to breaking the cycle of poverty. Canada maintains a focus on measurable outcomes, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the overall success and well-being of the families served.

Ralph Stefano, the Chief Financial Officer at Harlem Children's Zone, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all educational and health programs. Stefano oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that funds are directed toward high-impact initiatives that benefit the Harlem community. By monitoring financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for the Board to make informed strategic decisions. Ralph Stefano directs the financial planning and analysis functions, maintaining the stability required for long-term operational success. This role involves managing relationships with donors and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. By optimizing the financial structure, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of services across the New York City region. Stefano ensures that the organization remains fiscally responsible while pursuing the ambitious goals set by the leadership team, ultimately securing the resources needed to sustain the mission for future generations.

Celines Sims, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Harlem Children's Zone, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Sims oversees the recruitment of professionals dedicated to the mission of providing educational and health support to families. By fostering a culture of professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the staff remains equipped to handle the complexities of community-based work. Celines Sims manages employee relations and performance management systems to maintain high standards of service delivery. This role involves aligning human capital with the strategic goals of the organization to maximize impact in the Harlem neighborhood. By implementing training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the development of a workforce capable of addressing the diverse needs of the community. Sims drives initiatives that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that the internal environment reflects the values of the organization while supporting the overall operational scale.

Stephanie Lilavois, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Harlem Children's Zone, manages the public narrative and brand strategy for the organization. Lilavois directs all outreach efforts to ensure that the mission of providing educational and health programs reaches the intended audience in New York City. By crafting compelling messaging, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) builds awareness and support among stakeholders and the broader public. Stephanie Lilavois oversees the digital and traditional media presence, ensuring that the impact of the organization is clearly communicated. This role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to align communication strategies with the overall growth objectives. By managing the reputation of the organization, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) strengthens the connection between the community and the services provided. Lilavois ensures that the voice of the organization remains consistent and influential, driving engagement that supports the long-term sustainability of the mission.