Our Journey

Jennifer Adams is a connector by nature—someone who sees the threads between people, ideas, and systems and knows how to weave them into something stronger. She has worked at the crossroads of community, creativity, and change, helping organizations and agencies find alignment and move from vision to action. Her work bridges local, state, and federal levels, guiding projects that prioritize both economic and ecological balance while keeping human connection at the center.

With roots in disaster recovery, event production, and community-building, Jen has learned that real progress happens when people come together—whether in a boardroom, a classroom, or on a dance floor. She’s produced everything from neighborhood cultural events to large-scale fundraisers and concerts, using each as a platform to unite voices and spark collective energy.

As the founder, Jen’s mission is to bridge the gap between vision and implementation—helping communities, organizations, and businesses collaborate toward shared, sustainable impact. She’s passionate about connecting sectors that don’t often intersect, creating pathways for partnership across art, agriculture, and advocacy. Through CYC, Jen continues to transform ideas into action—building systems rooted in empathy, creativity, and collective growth.

Executive Director
Sonya Mirande is a dedicated nonprofit leader whose work centers on the intersection of community, equity, and transformation. With more than twenty-five years of experience, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight and heartfelt leadership to every initiative she touches. Her career spans women’s health advocacy, international development, and organizational design, always with a focus on creating systems that honor both people and purpose.

Sonya’s journey began with a deep commitment to advancing women’s rights and community well-being. After earning her B.A. in Women’s Studies and Development from the University of Hawaii and a Master’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management from New York University, she devoted her career to building programs that empower marginalized communities and strengthen organizational infrastructure. Her work has extended across borders—from the U.S. to Haiti and Kenya—supporting access to education, healthcare, and opportunity.

As Executive Director, Sonya leads with both compassion and clarity. She ensures that every project under CYC’s umbrella reflects the organization’s mission to create sustainable, community-driven change. Known for her steady vision and collaborative spirit, she bridges the gap between grassroots passion and strategic execution, guiding teams and partners toward meaningful, measurable impact. Sonya’s leadership is a testament to her belief that true progress happens when empathy and accountability move in tandem.

Executive Board Member
Jivana is a visionary storyteller and social entrepreneur dedicated to merging creativity, consciousness, and community impact. For over two decades, she has championed regenerative practices that blend environmental stewardship with social transformation. As the founder of Green Wave Enterprises, her work spans conservation, creative direction, and community resilience—each infused with her signature approach: turn stories into movements, and imagination into action.

Guided by her yoga and mindfulness practice, Jivana brings a holistic sensibility to everything she builds. Whether developing eco-forward initiatives, producing immersive experiences, or fostering cross-cultural collaborations, she approaches her work as a dialogue between art and purpose.

As an Executive Board Member, Jivana helps shape the creative and strategic direction of CYC, weaving her background in sustainability, event production, and narrative design into the organization’s evolving vision. Her leadership reflects a balance of grounded pragmatism and inspired imagination—bridging worlds that often exist apart to reveal the shared rhythm of community, creativity, and care.