The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance’s (NCDSA) Board of Directors has named Amy Navejas, J.D. as its next Executive Director effective Nov. 13, 2023. Navejas, currently the Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Cumberland County (UWCC), will replace Christina Reaves, who is departing 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,” said Tara Moore, NCDSA Board President in a press release.

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 Some of Navejas’ successes include: stabilizing the annual giving campaign; obtaining grants to update outdated technology and safety needs; transforming a $21 million trust into a digital process; launching new and successful fundraising events; and improving program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 nonprofit 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,” said incoming Executive Director Amy Navejas in a press release. 

The community is invited to a Meet the New Executive Director event on Wed., Nov. 15, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at the NCDSA Training Center, 2621 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC.