Information from DNDA

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) is thrilled to announce its new co-executive directors, Mesha Florentino and Imani Sims. Mesha and Imani joined the DNDA team earlier this year, and as of October, the organization officially transitioned into a co-executive leadership model. 

Mesha Florentino, ED of housing and finance, came to DNDA with more than 10 years of experience leading affordable housing initiatives, and she previously served on DNDA’s board of directors. Imani Sims, ED of people and programs, is a proud Seattleite with more than 15 years of nonprofit experience, as well as more than 25 years contributing to the Seattle arts ecosystem. DNDA’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center was a vital resource to Imani’s art career, making them incredibly passionate about supporting future DNDA programs.

The co-executive directors share the responsibilities that one executive director has traditionally held. Other Seattle organizations are adopting a similar approach due to the challenges associated with having only one leader — including burnout, a common experience across the nonprofit sector.

“Shared leadership ensures our new leaders can care for their own well-beings first, so they can show up as their best selves at DNDA,” said Shannon Woodard, DNDA’s board chair. “Shared leadership also gives us greater ability to scale our work and expand more widely across West Seattle.”

This transition had been in the works since David Bestock, DNDA’s longtime executive director, announced in January that he would step down from DNDA at the end of 2023 after serving the Delridge and West Seattle community for 11 years.

During the model change in October, David became DNDA’s capital campaign director for the remainder of his tenure. His primary responsibility has been to raise funds for key projects spearheaded by DNDA, including vital renovations to DNDA’s historic Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, as well as the buildout of Delridge Wetland Park at 23rd SW and SW Findlay. DNDA has now raised more than $5.3 million toward its $6 million Crossroads Campaign goal for these projects and more.

With all these changes, DNDA is hosting a “cross the finish line with us” celebration open to the community. Event festivities include honoring the legacy of David Bestock, welcoming new leadership, and supporting the Crossroads Campaign fundraising goal.

EVENT DETAILS:

Thursday, December 14, 5-8pm
Metropolist (SoDo)
2931 1st Avenue South #Suite A
Seattle, WA, 98134
dnda.org/rsvp

 

DNDA invites those who are unable to attend the event to celebrate their community by investing in the Delridge of tomorrow – one that is lush, vibrant, and affordable to all those who live here. DNDA kindly asks community members to consider donating to the Crossroads Campaign.