Dear families, supporters, and friends of the NCDSA,
We are pleased to share with you that we have named Amy Navejas, J.D. as the next Executive Director for the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance, effective November 13, 2023. Navejas, who comes to us via the United Way of Cumberland County (UWCC), will replace Christina Reaves, who departed after seven years leading NCDSA.
“The Board of Directors is so grateful to Christina Reaves for her leadership. As we wish her well in her new role at LuMind IDSC Foundation, we are very fortunate to have found an exceptionally qualified person to lead the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance into the future,” says Tara Moore, NCDSA Board President.
Navejas has made many accomplishments over the years with her work at UWCC as well as Better Health, an agency that works to address unmet healthcare needs. Some of Navejas’ successes include: stabilizing the annual giving campaign; obtaining grants to update outdated technology and safety needs; transforming a $21 million trust into a digital process; launching new and successful fundraising events; and improving program integrity and outcomes.
Navejas graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology. She earned her Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. She has prior experience in non-profit management, case management, outreach, community events, human resources and professional development. Navejas has also been an active board member for several local nonprofits.
“I am thrilled to join the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance in supporting families and individuals in our community. As a mother of three, I am a strong advocate of seeing all children reach their full potential and celebrating their unique talents and traits. Together, we can continue to educate our community and improve inclusion and support,” says incoming Executive Director Amy Navejas.
If you didn’t have a chance to meet Navejas at last month’s Buddy Walk, you are invited to a Meet the New Executive Director event on Wed., Nov. 15, 4-6pm at the NCDSA Training Center, 2621 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC.
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback as we move forward into the future, we invite you to contact us at asktheboard@ncdsalliance.org.
Thank you, community members, for your support during this transition and welcome aboard, Amy!
The NCDSA Board of Directors
