Kenyetta McCurdy Byrd, ‘94

As Chief Operating Officer, I play a critical role in building this nonprofit from start-up to an alliance of three organizations – The Warehouse, REACH Riverside Development Corporation, and Kingswood Community Center (collectively known as the “WRK” Group) – responsible for leading the $250 million holistic revitalization of the impoverished community of Riverside, located in northeast Wilmington. In a rapidly growing enterprise with ambitious goals, I establish the culture and operational strategies that drive the WRK Group vision. Directing talent management for the organizations, I translate strategic initiatives into meaningful objectives for individual and organizational performance and growth.

Through my years of service in the social service sector (HR, education, workforce development, strategic execution, and organizational leadership). I also served on the board of directors for REACH Riverside.

My SJU education helped me to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to become an effective communicator, a critical and strategic thinker, and a disciplined yet nimble professional. Most importantly, it taught me about service to others, which help to lay the foundation for my career in the social services sector.

I am so excited about this accomplishment of being named one of the 40 most empowering women in business in Delaware.