We are pleased to announce that Suzanne Brown has joined the organization as Executive Director for Southern California.

Suzanne brings to First Place a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to helping youth thrive through education and career development. She most recently served as National Director of Talent Solutions for LeadersUp, where she oversaw and advanced program initiatives to end youth unemployment and bridge the opportunity divide. Her responsibilities included leading regional teams in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Chicago in recruiting, training and supporting opportunity youth in finding success in career pathways.

Prior to LeadersUp, Suzanne spent eight years with the Los Angeles Urban League, first as a Project Manager, and later leading the League’s first parent engagement initiative as the Director of Parent Engagement and Parent Academy. This pilot program worked to increase minority parent engagement in and advocacy for their children’s educational opportunities—from Pre-K to grade 12—by providing resources and education through collaboration with community-based organizations and schools.

“We are exceptionally excited to have Suzanne joining us,” says First Place for Youth CEO, Heidi McIntosh. “Her knowledge, leadership, and dedication to the youth and communities of Los Angeles will be an incredible asset to our organization as she leads our continued growth in Southern California.”

As Southern California Executive Director for First Place, Suzanne will be responsible for strengthening and cultivating critical partnerships that support our growth in the region, ensuring that First Place delivers the highest quality services and supports for more than 200 transition age current and former foster youth in the region annually.

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