Sheena Wright is the New York City Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives. Deputy Mayor Wright focuses on advancing the administration’s top priorities. Prior to her appointment. Deputy Mayor Wright served as the Transition Chair for the Adams team helping to engage and oversee over 600 stakeholders.
Deputy Mayor was named President and CEO of United Way of New York City (UWNYC) in October 2012, the first woman to lead the organization in its 75-year history. Under her leadership, UWNYC focused on implementing strategies in the areas of education, income, health, and strengthening non-profits.
Prior to joining UWNYC, Deputy Mayor served as President and CEO of the Abyssinian Development Corporation, where she was responsible for leading and managing one of the nation’s premiere community and economic development organizations.
Deputy Mayor was named number one on City & State New York‘s Nonprofit Power 100, listed in Crain’s New York Business· Notable Black Leaders and Executives, was appointed Mayor De Blasio’s Education Sector Advisory Council and Governor Cuomo’s New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board.
Deputy Mayor has served as a Trustee for Columbia University, and as a Board Member for New Visions for Public Schools, NYC Kids Rise, and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council.
Deputy Mayor Wright is a graduate of Columbia University, which she entered at age 16, received her law degree from Columbia Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar. She was born and raised in the South Bronx and now lives in Harlem, New York.