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Youth Action is a Philadelphia based non-profit that INSPIRES students to LEAD and provides them with the resources and support to SERVE their communities.
Join the Movement
Our leadership embodies the principles of integrity, empathy, and innovation, guiding our programs and fostering an environment where emerging leaders can thrive. Discover who we are and how our collective expertise and commitment drive our mission to create positive, lasting change.
Executive Director
Kiyana Neil, a seasoned marketer with a genuine passion for community service, assumed the role of Executive Director at Youth Action in November 2022. In this capacity, she not only embodies the organization's mission but also drives the realization of its vision...
Program Director
Brittany Manning, MS, OTR/L, is a native of the Greater Philadelphia Area who is passionate about pouring into others, especially our youth. This passion brought her back to Youth Action as Program Director, where she works to elevate our programming...
Our programming team and volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization, working tirelessly to empower students, uplift families, and strengthen communities. These passionate change makers design and deliver impactful programs, mentor the next generation of leaders, and foster meaningful connections that drive lasting change. Their unwavering commitment ensures that every initiative is thoughtfully executed and that we continue to serve with excellence, compassion, and purpose. Together, they transform our vision into reality and inspire the futures of those we serve.
Program Coordinator
High School Program Co-Lead
High School Program Co-Lead
College Facilitator
High School Facilitator
High School Facilitator
Coaching Mentor
Coaching Mentor
Coaching Mentor
Our Board of Directors is the guiding force behind our mission, bringing together a diverse group of leaders who are deeply committed to our mission. With a wealth of experience in finance, law, education, and community engagement, our board provides strategic oversight and vision to ensure that we effectively uphold our values and objectives while continually evolving to meet the needs of our community. Meet the dedicated individuals who help shape our path forward.
Dynasty Advisors
Ballard Spahr
MOV Solutions, LLC
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Flyte Academy
Corning Incorporated
Schneider
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas
Public Sector Attorney
Philadelphia is a city that is rich in resilience despite the challenges of poverty and limited resources. It's a city that is rich with culture and history, but is often categorized and seen as a city of high crime, violence, and challenges. But at Youth Action, we've witnessed the transformative power of young people when they are equipped with the tools to inspire, lead, and serve.
It's this experience as a native Philadelphian coupled with my passion for community service and empowering young people that brought me back to Youth Action—an organization that believes in the power and abilities of young people.
For over 20 years, our mission has been simple yet powerful: to INSPIRE students to LEAD and provide them with the resources and support to SERVE their communities. We believe that when young people are given the platform to lead and serve, they don’t just change their own lives—they change the lives of those around them.
We develop Greater Philadelphia youth into socially responsible leaders who create meaningful change in their communities. From crafting impactful service projects to running their own initiatives, our students show us every day what is possible when passion meets opportunity.
This work is deeply rooted in our humble beginnings as a student-led, volunteer-driven organization. That foundation of dedication and love for Philadelphia has carried us through decades of growth and challenges, including the rebuilding efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we remain committed to honoring those beginnings while preparing for what’s next.
Over the past two decades, our students have acheived notable results:
Recent graduates continued on to college
Peers engaged in civic action
Service projects completed
These successes are a testament to what happens when young people are given the opportunity to lead and serve their communities.
As we look to the future, we will remain rooted in our core pillars: Inspire. Lead. Serve. These values are evident in every volunteer, board member, donor, and student leader who contributes to this work. Together, we can continue to shape a brighter future for Philadelphia and beyond.
Thank you for your belief in our mission and your commitment to the next generation of changemakers.
It’s talented individuals like our executive leaders, board members, facilitators, and mentors who allow us to reach and serve our youth most effectively. If you’re interested in being a part of our team, learn how to get involved.
Kiyana Neil
Executive Director
Kiyana Neil, a seasoned marketer with a genuine passion for community service, assumed the role of Executive Director at Youth Action in November 2022. In this capacity, she not only embodies the organization's mission but also drives the realization of its vision.
As the Executive Director, Kiyana holds a multifaceted role, overseeing the effective implementation of Youth Action's programming, managing recruitment and supervision of staff and volunteers, fostering partnerships, and enhancing funding opportunities.
Her journey with Youth Action commenced in 2014 when she joined as a College Facilitator, marking the beginning of her influential role in the organization's development. Notably, Kiyana's contributions were recognized during her time as a facilitator with the Junior Youth Action (JYA) program, where she earned the prestigious title of Facilitator of the Year. Transitioning from facilitator to advisor and subsequently being appointed as the Director of Programs, Kiyana's trajectory exemplifies her dedication to Youth Action's core programming.
A proud graduate of Drexel University's Lebow College of Business, Kiyana holds a B.S. in Marketing and International studies. Her professional experience includes a recent role as a Marketing Manager for a global B2B digital marketing consulting agency. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kiyana plays an instrumental role in her church's worship community.
Bringing to Youth Action a unique blend of excellent communication, superb organizational skills, and a strategic mindset, Kiyana actively considers the broader impact of the organization's programming on students. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering growth and success for Youth Action, making her a valuable asset to the organization and the community it serves.
Brittany Manning, MS, OTR/L
Program Director
Brittany Manning, MS, OTR/L, is a native of the Greater Philadelphia Area who is passionate about pouring into others, especially youth. This passion brought her back to Youth Action, where she works to elevate our programming, train and mentor volunteer staff, and develop reporting and measurement systems.
Brittany began her journey with Youth Action in 2010 as a college freshman. She moved from a volunteer position to a Program Facilitator and Mentor for our Junior Youth Action (JYA) program in just one year. During her time with JYA, Brittany was instrumental in revamping the curriculum, executing organization-wide events and service opportunities, and mentoring students and volunteers.
Today, Brittany combines her enthusiasm and commitment to community with years of education and work experience. She obtained her B.S. in Psychology and Premedical Studies from Drexel University and pursued her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, where she serves on the Occupational Therapy Alumni Council. Brittany currently works as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in Philadelphia. In addition, she is the co-founder of a professional development consulting company, Forward Consulting Services.
