Cicley Gay, a seasoned nonprofit leader and philanthropist, has recently assumed the role of Board Chairwoman for Black Lives Matter. As the organization embarks on a comprehensive rebranding and relaunch, Gay’s extensive experience in nonprofit management, coupled with her deep commitment to social justice, positions her as the ideal leader to guide the foundation through this pivotal transformation.
With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Gay’s career has been marked by a dedication to advancing causes that promote equity, education, and empowerment. As the founder of The Amplifiers, a social enterprise at the intersection of cause and communications, Gay has consistently demonstrated her ability to create impactful strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. This expertise is particularly relevant as she takes on the challenge of revitalizing the Black Lives Matter Foundation, ensuring that its message of racial justice continues to inspire and mobilize communities worldwide.
Gay’s journey in philanthropy began with a clear vision of how strategic leadership can drive social change. She has held critical roles in various organizations, each time leaving a legacy of innovation and impact. Her tenure at the Women’s Sports Foundation, where she was the founding director of GoGirlGo!, exemplifies her commitment to empowering marginalized communities. The program, which focused on encouraging young girls to participate in sports, not only promoted physical activity but also instilled values of confidence and leadership in its participants. Gay later served as the national director of education and alliances at the foundation, further expanding her influence in the field of youth development.
Photo Courtesy: Cicley Gay
Her leadership extended to the National CARES Mentoring Movement, where she played a crucial role as the national program director. In this position, Gay was instrumental in building the grant allocation process and the programmatic infrastructure for a national mentoring initiative for Black children. Supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, this initiative provided much-needed resources and guidance to thousands of children across the country, underscoring Gay’s ability to scale impact through strategic program design.
One of Gay’s most notable achievements was her role as the first leader of STAND, an organization dedicated to educating students on the impact of federal budget priorities on Black communities. Through STAND, she worked to raise awareness about the systemic economic disparities faced by Black Americans and advocated for policy changes to address these issues. Her work at STAND further solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the field of social justice education.
Gay’s contributions to the nonprofit sector have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, she was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Obama Administration, recognizing her outstanding commitment to service and impact on the lives of countless individuals. Additionally, she is a former recipient of the Catalyst Award from the Global Center for Social Change through Women’s Leadership, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in advancing gender equity and social change.
Photo Courtesy: Cicley Gay
Now, as she steps into her role at the helm of the Black Lives Matter Foundation, Gay is poised to lead the organization through a critical phase of rebranding and restructuring. The foundation, which has been a central figure in the global movement for racial justice, is undergoing significant changes to strengthen its mission and ensure its sustainability for years to come. Gay’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating these changes, drawing on her vast experience to guide the foundation toward an impactful and resilient future.
Despite the organization’s challenges, including critiques around lack of transparency and misinformation, Gay views these obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. Her approach to leadership is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of the systemic issues that the Black Lives Matter movement seeks to address. Under her guidance, the foundation is expected to renew its focus on strategic initiatives that amplify the voices of Black communities and advocate for meaningful change.
Gay’s vision for the Black Lives Matter Foundation extends beyond the immediate rebranding efforts. She is committed to building a foundation that responds to the current social and political climate and proactively shapes the conversation around racial justice. Her leadership is set to bring a fresh perspective to the organization, ensuring its work continues to inspire and mobilize activists and supporters worldwide.
For more information on Black Lives Matter and its rebranding efforts, visit BlackLivesMatter.com. To learn more about Cicley Gay’s work and her ongoing contributions to social justice, visit AmplifiersInc.com and follow her on Instagram at @CicleyGay.
Published by: Martin De Juan
