Dr. Erica Conners Appointed Executive Director of IYT's Bay Area Region

Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Erica Conners as the new Executive Director for the Bay Area Region. Dr. Conners brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational equity, making her the ideal leader to advance our mission in the Bay Area.

A proud product of Oakland, CA, Dr. Conners understands the systemic and environmental challenges that negatively impact young people, especially those growing up in single-parent homes in urban settings. Inspired by the community members who supported her journey, she is dedicated to making a positive difference and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. “Dr. Conners is a first generation college graduate who exemplifies what it means to be a Change Champion - a dynamic social change leader, advancing equity and justice.” Said Aila Malik, Founder & Co-Principal of Venture Leadership Collective. Continuing, Malik said “ Dr Conners has spent most of her life being of service either civically or professionally supporting underserved populations in the Bay Area. Whether it has been through advocacy efforts or volunteering her time she has been committed to planting seeds to make a difference in the lives of young people.” 

Bay Area members from Pittsburg take part in a fireside chat with Sam Cobbs, CEO of Tipping Point Community Foundation

Dr. Conners has spent many years supporting youth through college readiness programs and engaged in advocacy efforts for former foster care youth. Her impressive academic credentials include a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island, as well as a double Master’s degree in Psychology in Education and Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.

As the Executive Director of IYT Bay Area, Dr. Conners' experience and vision will be instrumental in expanding IYT’s programs and services, fostering a college-bound brotherhood in the Bay Area. Reflecting on the appointment, Dr. Conners stated, “I am deeply honored to step into this role. Our mission to support and empower young men of color is more crucial than ever. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and community partners to create lasting change.”

Bay Area members joined former SF 49ers Arik Armstead on a career field trip to Show Palace HQ

In her free time, Dr. Conners enjoys attending music events, traveling, and participating in civic duties across the Bay Area to support youth advocacy and social justice.

For more information about IYT’s programs or to discuss school partnerships, please contact Dr. Erica Conners at erica@improveyourtomorrow.org.