A leading environment-themed youth program in the city, Solar Youth, has named a new executive director, Candace Wright (at left in photo).
The text of a release sent by the organization follows:
Solar Youth has announced Candace Wright as its new executive director. Over the last 22 years, Solar Youth has served 3500+ New Haven youth, providing them with opportunities for creative problem solving, community and environmental service, and youth leadership development.
Wright, a New Haven native, has served as Solar Youth’s director of operations for 13 years and as its Interim executive director since July 1, 2021. Wright brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the role, having streamlined internal operations, mentored staff, and stewarded relationships in the New Haven community throughout her time at Solar Youth.
“This is an incredible opportunity for all of us in the New Haven community. Through the recent months of the pandemic, Candace has led Solar Youth courageously and whole-heartedly with a passion to justly serve youth in our community. We are thrilled that she will continue to drive Solar Youth’s impact,” said Board Chair Maria Angelita Gomez, who helped guide this transition in concert with the Solar Youth Board and Kia Levey Burden from Launch Consulting.
With Wright’s leadership, Solar Youth hopes to deepen and broaden its impact, invest in youth leadership within the organization, and place the needs of New Haven’s communities of color at the center of the organization. “Solar Youth has always been a constant presence and place of safety for youth and families of New Haven. We are eager to resume our full programming, strengthen our partnerships, and create new opportunities for our stewards, teens, and alumni,” said Wright.
“I am extremely excited for Candace Wright to lead Solar Youth into its next phase,” said Joanne Sciulli, Founder of Solar Youth. Sciulli stepped down from her role of executive director at Solar Youth in 2021. “For over 12 years I witnessed the depth of her values, strength and resilience, and her drive to make positive change in her home community. Challenges do not sway her from keeping the core mission of Solar Youth in central
focus. And as a result, more young people will have the opportunity to become architects of their own success, and build the connections that support them to get there.”
“These past few years of what seems to be a never-ending pandemic greatly impacted our youth and families and yet, we remain resilient,” said Wright. “Many of our families have been in our programs for multiple generations. As we began our strategic vision planning, we are excited to reconnect with families. This next generation of leaders will continue the legacy of those before them, and I consider it a privilege to be a part of this journey with them,” said Wright.
There is a great longing for connection and opportunities for youth to experience joy. This summer for the second time we will continue our partnership with BCGNH in providing “Mashup Summer Camp.”
For further information or to get involved, please contact the Solar Youth office 203 – 387-4189. About Solar Youth — Solar Youth is a non-profit organization, founded in 2000. Its mission is to empower youth from New Haven’s low-income neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success. Through programs that connect youth to the environment, their communities and each other, youth build the skills and motivations necessary to contribute positively to their community, create healthy relationships, maintain physical and mental health, and develop economic self-sufficiency.