Annastasia leads the Center for Social Impact, addressing community needs, reducing disparities and increasing access through innovative strategies and compassionate support. For more than 17 years, she has devoted herself to nonprofit and community work, cultivating a strong commitment to addressing health inequities and fostering positive outcomes for under-resourced communities. Under Annastasia’s leadership, the Center for Social Impact provides immersive and transformational learning experiences to advance systemic equity and social justice. The Center for Social Impact also offers programs that expand access to education, civic engagement and support for individuals navigating or exiting systems such as foster care, homelessness, trafficking and corrections. Through her efforts, Annastasia strives to build a resilient foundation for individual and community wellbeing, creating a thriving and equitable future for all. She serves on the Youth Intervention Association (YIPA) board and the YMCA Oceti Šakowiŋ or YMCA Seven Council Fires (Y7F) board of trustees. She also chairs their Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
Why the Y?
My passion lies in empowering individuals and groups to drive meaningful change. I am guided by my belief in the transformative power of community engagement and informed by my personal experiences of overcoming systemic barriers. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how access to community resources and support can significantly alter statistical outcomes.
I connected to the YMCA through an after-school program called Beacons when I was nine years old. This was a pivotal moment in my life when I experienced instability, a lack of safety at home and unpredictable community dynamics. Through the Y, I connected with caring adults, received academic support and had a safe space after school. I was exposed to civic engagement and community advocacy, where I found that the power of my voice could create meaningful change. The Y has helped me become the leader that I am today. I am filled with gratitude to be able to collaborate with community and develop the leaders of tomorrow.