NEW YORK, NY -- The Brave House, a nonprofit dedicated to building a safe, joyful, and transformative community for young immigrant women in New York City, today announced the launch of a Co-Executive Director model. Founder Lauren Blodgett will continue leading the organization alongside newly appointed Co-Executive Director and Brave House alumna Yaniel Wynter.
Wynter currently oversees strategy and operations across programming, volunteer coordination, and advisory board engagement. Since joining The Brave House staff, she has played a key role in strengthening programming and leadership development opportunities for immigrant youth across New York City.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in The Brave House's evolution. Wynter was one of the organization's first members, joining just two years after immigrating to the United States as a young woman seeking community, support, and opportunity. Over the years, she has grown from member to advisory board member, staff, and now Co-Executive Director, a full-circle journey that reflects The Brave House's commitment to investing in the leadership and potential of young immigrant women.
“The Brave House is home to me. As an alumna, this work is deeply personal. It drives my commitment to paying forward the opportunities I received while strengthening systems for the next generation.”
Today, with seven years of nonprofit experience spanning youth development, mental health advocacy, and support for survivors of gender-based violence, Wynter joins Blodgett in leading The Brave House into its next chapter. Her appointment reflects The Brave House's belief that the young women it serves are not only participants, but leaders whose lived experiences help shape the organization's future.
Together, Blodgett and Wynter bring complementary expertise and perspectives that strengthen The Brave House's ability to expand opportunities for young immigrant women while ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability and continued growth.
"This is a moment I have been dreaming about since I founded The Brave House," said Lauren Blodgett, an immigration and human rights attorney, and founder of the Brave House. "One of our core beliefs has always been that young immigrant women are leaders. Seeing Yaniel grow from a member of our community into Co-Executive Director is a powerful reflection of that vision. Leading together is the next natural step for our organization and for the community we serve."
“I am deeply honored by the trust of our Board, our team, and the community we serve,” said Yaniel Wynter. “The Brave House has been a transformative force in my life, and stepping into this role alongside Lauren is both a privilege and a responsibility I take very seriously. This new leadership model reflects what The Brave House has always stood for: investing in the leadership of young immigrant women and ensuring that their voices remain at the center of everything we do as we continue to grow.”
The transition to a Co-Executive Director model follows a thoughtful, multi-year planning process initiated by Blodgett and unanimously supported by The Brave House Board of Directors. Increasingly adopted by mission-driven organizations, shared leadership models allow nonprofits to strengthen organizational resilience, broaden executive expertise, and better reflect the communities they serve.
"This decision reflects the Board's confidence in both Lauren and Yaniel, and our long-term commitment to the strength and sustainability of this organization," said Alicia Siman, Brave House Board Chair.
"The Brave House has not only created opportunities for young immigrant women, it has invested in their growth as leaders. At a time when immigrant communities face increasing challenges, The Brave House is demonstrating what authentic community-led leadership looks like by appointing Yaniel and Lauren as Co-Executive Directors. This co-leadership model positions the organization for long-term sustainability while ensuring that community voice remains at the center of its decisions, design, and strategies. This is exactly the type of organization that SparkYouth is proud to support" - Suzy Myers Jackson, Executive Director of SparkYouth NYC.
About The Brave House
The Brave House is a New York City-based nonprofit that builds a safe, joyful, and transformative community for young immigrant women, ages 16-24. Through legal aid and holistic, intentional programming and support, The Brave House empowers young immigrant women to know their rights, find their voice, and lead their communities. Learn more at www.thebravehouse.com.
Media Contact
Lauren Blodgett | [email protected]
Wynter currently oversees strategy and operations across programming, volunteer coordination, and advisory board engagement. Since joining The Brave House staff, she has played a key role in strengthening programming and leadership development opportunities for immigrant youth across New York City.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in The Brave House's evolution. Wynter was one of the organization's first members, joining just two years after immigrating to the United States as a young woman seeking community, support, and opportunity. Over the years, she has grown from member to advisory board member, staff, and now Co-Executive Director, a full-circle journey that reflects The Brave House's commitment to investing in the leadership and potential of young immigrant women.
“The Brave House is home to me. As an alumna, this work is deeply personal. It drives my commitment to paying forward the opportunities I received while strengthening systems for the next generation.”
Today, with seven years of nonprofit experience spanning youth development, mental health advocacy, and support for survivors of gender-based violence, Wynter joins Blodgett in leading The Brave House into its next chapter. Her appointment reflects The Brave House's belief that the young women it serves are not only participants, but leaders whose lived experiences help shape the organization's future.
Together, Blodgett and Wynter bring complementary expertise and perspectives that strengthen The Brave House's ability to expand opportunities for young immigrant women while ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability and continued growth.
"This is a moment I have been dreaming about since I founded The Brave House," said Lauren Blodgett, an immigration and human rights attorney, and founder of the Brave House. "One of our core beliefs has always been that young immigrant women are leaders. Seeing Yaniel grow from a member of our community into Co-Executive Director is a powerful reflection of that vision. Leading together is the next natural step for our organization and for the community we serve."
“I am deeply honored by the trust of our Board, our team, and the community we serve,” said Yaniel Wynter. “The Brave House has been a transformative force in my life, and stepping into this role alongside Lauren is both a privilege and a responsibility I take very seriously. This new leadership model reflects what The Brave House has always stood for: investing in the leadership of young immigrant women and ensuring that their voices remain at the center of everything we do as we continue to grow.”
The transition to a Co-Executive Director model follows a thoughtful, multi-year planning process initiated by Blodgett and unanimously supported by The Brave House Board of Directors. Increasingly adopted by mission-driven organizations, shared leadership models allow nonprofits to strengthen organizational resilience, broaden executive expertise, and better reflect the communities they serve.
"This decision reflects the Board's confidence in both Lauren and Yaniel, and our long-term commitment to the strength and sustainability of this organization," said Alicia Siman, Brave House Board Chair.
"The Brave House has not only created opportunities for young immigrant women, it has invested in their growth as leaders. At a time when immigrant communities face increasing challenges, The Brave House is demonstrating what authentic community-led leadership looks like by appointing Yaniel and Lauren as Co-Executive Directors. This co-leadership model positions the organization for long-term sustainability while ensuring that community voice remains at the center of its decisions, design, and strategies. This is exactly the type of organization that SparkYouth is proud to support" - Suzy Myers Jackson, Executive Director of SparkYouth NYC.
About The Brave House
The Brave House is a New York City-based nonprofit that builds a safe, joyful, and transformative community for young immigrant women, ages 16-24. Through legal aid and holistic, intentional programming and support, The Brave House empowers young immigrant women to know their rights, find their voice, and lead their communities. Learn more at www.thebravehouse.com.
Media Contact
Lauren Blodgett | [email protected]
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