Achievers & Accolades

North Carolina statewide disability nonprofit hires Cumberland County executive

By Staff Report, posted 1 year ago
Amy Navejas - Photo provided by North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance

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 Some of Navejas’ successes include: stabilizing the annual giving campaign; obtaining grants to update outdated technology and safety needs; transforming a $21 million trust into a digital process; launching new and successful fundraising events; and improving program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.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Tech for a cause: 2025 Tech ID Day showcases new innovations while supporting warfighters and a good cause

To wrap up the first day, attendees were able to meet up for a social event at the Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. in Southern Pines where a $10,000 check was presented to the Joint Special Operations Foundation for their scholarship fund. Photo pr


Gathering great ideas: Business incubator coming to the 400 block of Hay Street

The three-story, 200,000 square-foot business incubator space is located at 420 Maiden Lane. The building features an elevator, construction has begun on handicap bathrooms for the first floor and the second and third floors feature window walls offering views of Segra Stadium.


Planting seeds of H.O.P.E: FTCC's Hope, Opportunity, Prosperity through Education Program provides empowerment through hands-on learning

Image provided by FTCCFocused on building the local workforce and streamlining the education process through real world learning, the Hope, Opportunity, Prosperity through Education Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), also kno