Arkansas nonprofit executive and philanthropic leader brings additional youth development and social work practice experience to board

LOS ANGELES, CA — The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) announces the appointment of Sherra Bennett to its Board of Directors. A respected leader in philanthropy and a passionate advocate for equity, Ms. Bennett brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creating stronger communities for children and families.

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ms. Bennett serves as a Senior Equity Officer at the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, where she supports transformational change across the state through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships. Her work centers the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequities, an approach that closely aligns with NFYI’s mission to elevate the leadership and lived expertise of current and former foster youth.

“Sherra’s roots in Arkansas and her understanding of how state and local dynamics shape national conversations will be a tremendous asset to NFYI,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, Chief Executive Officer of the National Foster Youth Institute. “We welcome her to our board and are excited to learn from her perspective as we continue to build a more just and responsive child welfare system.”

“I’m honored to join NFYI’s board and contribute to the organization’s work of uplifting the leadership of young people with lived experience in foster care,” said Sherra Bennett. “As someone deeply committed to equity and transformation, I look forward to helping NFYI expand its reach and impact.”

Ms. Bennett’s presence on the board also strengthens NFYI’s ability to understand and respond to unique needs and opportunities in Arkansas and across the South, ensuring that youth in this region are included in national efforts to improve outcomes for families impacted by the child welfare system.

Wendy Smith Meyer, Chair of NFYI’s Board of Directors, added: “Sherra brings both strategic insight and a grounded sense of community to her work. Her perspective will strengthen our board and enrich our ongoing efforts to ensure all youth in foster care are seen, heard, and empowered.”

A two-time graduate of the University of Michigan, Ms. Bennett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She is also a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a Grantmakers for Southern Progress Fellow. She has been recognized as a “Woman to Watch” for her contributions to advancing leadership and community solutions.