A Transition with Purpose

A message from Executive Director, Tere Ramos.

Dear PYD Community,

It is with a bittersweet heart that I write to inform you of my decision to step down as Executive Director of Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD), effective April 4. This decision was not made lightly, as my time at PYD has been deeply meaningful, and I have been honored to work alongside each of you—our dedicated staff, funders, participants, and supporters—to ensure young people with disabilities have access to the opportunities, mentorship, and advocacy they deserve.

However, the events of the past 6 weeks, driven by an administration that is undermining the rights of diverse communities, people with disabilities, and those who lack access to justice, have reinforced my commitment to defending our Republic and our democracy against those seeking to dismantle it. As the American Bar Association recently stated, we are witnessing “chaotic attacks on the rule of law” that threaten the very foundation of our civil rights and legal systems. In response, I have decided to return to the practice of law and will be joining the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the state’s legal defender’s office that represents indigent clients in court.

Though I will be transitioning out of my role, I remain fully committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition for PYD. I will stay on to help John Phelan transition into a new leadership role as PYD’s next Executive Director, support our staff in continuing our successful programs, and, of course, celebrate our incredible community at our upcoming party. The strength of PYD lies in the leadership of its team and the resilience of the young people we serve, and I have full confidence that the organization will continue to thrive. PYD is a strong organization with a sound financial and programmatic future, and I am certain that, despite the current uncertainty in our federal government, it will be able to weather any challenges and continue to grow and thrive. I am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for entrusting me with PYD for the last two and a half years and for their committed support throughout my tenure.

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with and learned from each of you. The passion and dedication of our staff, supporters, and—most of all—our youth participants have inspired me every day. They are the bright future our country needs, and I will carry their voices with me as I move forward in my work to ensure that civil rights and our civil society remain protected.

I hope to stay in touch, and I thank you for your support, your collaboration, and your unwavering belief in the power of inclusion and justice.

With deep gratitude,

Tere Ramos