From CYC youth to director: Daphne Wong-Ha helps shape the future of youth development
Daphne Wong-Ha first experienced Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC) as a young person participating in the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP) and Young Asian Women Against Violence (YAWAV). Through these programs, she found a community that helped her explore her Asian American identity, develop her voice, and recognize the impact she could have on others.
Today, after 15 years working at CYC, Daphne is stepping into a newly established role as Director of Youth Development Program (Community Based). In her new role, she will help shape an overall strategy for youth development, strengthen connections across programs, and support staff in responding to the evolving needs of young people and families throughout San Francisco.
A journey shaped by CYC
Daphne’s experience as a CYC youth continues to influence how she approaches leadership today. The staff who supported her through MYEEP and YAWAV became important mentors and role models, encouraging her to find her voice and recognize her potential.
During her time as a youth participant, she also took on roles as a Peer Leader and Counselor in Training. Those early experiences helped shape her decision to return to CYC as a staff member in 2011. She went on to serve as Program Assistant, Program Coordinator, Program Manager, and Senior Program Director, gaining experience supporting young people, working with staff, and guiding programs across San Francisco.
One initiative she is especially proud to have been part of is the Annual AAPI Youth Summit, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. The summit brings together young people to celebrate their identities, share their perspectives, and connect with community organizations and different generations.
For Daphne, the summit’s significance extends beyond the annual gathering. It gives young people opportunities to take ownership, develop leadership skills, and recognize their ability to contribute to their communities. Seeing the summit continue to evolve while remaining focused on uplifting youth has been especially meaningful to her.
“As someone who was once a CYC youth myself, I understand how meaningful it can be to have people and programs that believe in you. That experience continues to shape how I lead today,” she shared.
Building stronger pathways for young people
As the first Director of Youth Development and Programs at CYC, Daphne will help develop a more coordinated approach to youth development across the organization.
The new position was established to create an overall strategy for youth programs, strengthen alignment between services, and ensure programs continue responding to the changing needs of young people. By bringing greater coordination to this work, CYC aims to help participants build on their experiences and access opportunities that support them at different stages of their lives.
“A key priority is being more intentional about creating pathways for young people to grow with CYC,” Daphne shared.
A young person might begin in an afterschool program, then explore community service, youth leadership, or career development as their interests change. Daphne wants to strengthen these connections so young people can better understand what opportunities are available and continue pursuing their goals with support.
Her vision also includes giving young people a greater role in shaping their experiences. Building on initiatives such as the AAPI Youth Summit, she hopes to create more opportunities for youth to contribute ideas, make decisions, and take on leadership responsibilities within programs and their communities.
Supporting the next generation of leaders
Strengthening youth programs also means investing in the staff who work with young people every day.
“I want staff to feel supported in their work while also having the space to take initiative, share ideas, and grow into their own leadership,” Daphne said.
In her new role, she plans to strengthen collaboration between teams, expand opportunities for staff development, and improve how programs share knowledge and assess their impact. She also hopes to build on community partnerships that connect young people with new experiences and resources.
Having experienced CYC as both a young person and a staff member, Daphne understands how meaningful it can be to have someone recognize your potential and encourage you to take the next step.
Her promotion brings that experience full circle. From finding her voice as a CYC youth to helping guide the organization’s youth development strategy, Daphne continues the work that first inspired her to give back. In her new role, she will help strengthen the programs, relationships, and leadership opportunities that support the next generation.
Help build opportunities for the next generation
Through Heart of the Holidays, you can help sustain CYC programs that connect young people with caring adults, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to pursue their goals.
Make a gift to Heart of the Holidays and help CYC continue supporting young people and families across San Francisco.