National Center for Youth Law Announces New Senior Leadership Team

The civil rights nonprofit organization is building litigation capacity and bolstering its leadership as youth face increasing policy attacks

The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) announces the addition of nationally renowned litigators to its senior leadership to deepen its impact in defending and advancing the rights of young people across the country. 

Johnathan Smith, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has stepped into a newly created role as NCYL's Chief of Staff & General Counsel. Among other places, he has previously worked at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Muslim Advocates, and the New York State Division of Human Rights.

David Hinojosa, recognized throughout the U.S. as a civil rights thought leader, has joined NCYL as Litigation Co-Director. In his new role, Hinojosa will work alongside fellow Litigation Co-Director Hannah Benton Eidsath. They will lead NCYL's litigation to protect the interests and rights of children and youth. 

In order to further meet the moment, and to ensure the organization’s ability to respond to the rapidly changing federal landscape quickly and effectively, NCYL has elevated four exemplary team members to lead as Managing Directors. Each of these Managing Directors will develop and guide strategy to uplift, support, and advance the needs of children and youth during this time of urgency. 

The Managing Directors are: 

• Neha Desai as Managing Director of Children's Human Rights & Dignity: Neha will drive national and state policy reforms that center children's well-being within immigration systems and beyond.
• Michelle François as Managing Director of Education: Michelle will focus on improving outcomes for students in educational systems and providing a foundation for states to build on.
• Rebecca Gudeman as Managing Director of Health & Well-being: Rebecca will support advocacy of policies that support and improve the health and well-being for young people.
• Frankie Guzman as Managing Director of Youth Justice & Equity: Frankie will lead NCYL's Youth Justice work, particularly in community power building and developing policies and supports that keep children out of jails.

"This new leadership structure will supercharge NCYL’s advocacy and allow us to most effectively meet this moment for the children, families and communities that inspire our work," said NCYL Executive Director Shakti Belway. "We're increasing capacity and innovating how we approach our work so that we may maximize our impact externally to blunt attacks on the rights and well-being of youth, as well as continue building a society where every child can thrive."

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