Cicley Gay brings over two decades of nonprofit and philanthropic expertise to her new role as the board chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF/BLM). With a career marked by impactful leadership in various social causes, Gay is now spearheading the rebranding and relaunching of BLM, leveraging her extensive background to guide the organization through its transformative phase.
Throughout her career, Gay has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives that intersect cause and communications. As the founder of The Amplifiers, a social enterprise dedicated to enhancing the visibility and impact of social causes, she has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge gaps between grassroots activism and strategic communications. This experience is instrumental as BLMGNF aims to rejuvenate its image and mission, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness in advocating for Black lives.
Gay’s previous roles underscore her commitment to social justice and empowerment. She was the founding director of STAND, an initiative that educated students on the impact of federal budget priorities on Black communities. Her tenure at the Women’s Sports Foundation as the founding director of GoGirlGo! and later as the national director of education and alliances highlights her dedication to fostering environments where women and girls can thrive through sports and education.
Furthermore, Gay’s leadership as the national program director of the National CARES Mentoring Movement was pivotal in shaping the organization’s programmatic infrastructure and grant allocation processes. Her work, supported by the US Department of Justice, established a multimillion-dollar national mentoring initiative for Black children, reflecting her capability to manage and expand large-scale philanthropic programs.
Photo Courtesy: Cicley Gay
In recognition of her service and impact, Gay received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Obama Administration in 2013. This accolade, along with the Catalyst Award from the Global Center for Social Change through Women’s Leadership, attests to her significant contributions to social change and leadership.
As Gay steps into her role at BLM, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic vision aimed at fortifying the organization’s foundation. Her extensive experience in managing nonprofit organizations equips her with the skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for BLM. Her approach is not only to rebrand the organization but also to strengthen its operational effectiveness and enhance its impact.
Gay’s leadership style is characterized by empathy and a deep understanding of the communities she serves. Her work at the National CARES Mentoring Movement and other organizations has shown her ability to connect with and uplift marginalized communities through structured and impactful initiatives. This empathy-driven leadership is critical as BLM navigates its rebranding, ensuring that the organization remains true to its core mission while evolving to meet contemporary challenges.
Under Gay’s leadership, BLM aims to enhance its advocacy and support for Black communities, building on its foundation while addressing previous challenges. Her strategic approach involves not only supporting the rebrand of the organization but also reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable impact.
Photo Courtesy: Cicley Gay
The rebranding of BLM signifies a renewed commitment to social justice and equity. It is a move towards greater organizational coherence and alignment with its mission to advocate for Black lives. Gay’s ability to learn and grow from past experiences is key to her vision for the foundation’s future, ensuring that it can continue to be a powerful force for change.
As Black Lives Matter embarks on this new chapter, Gay’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the organization through its transformation. Her extensive background in nonprofit management and her strategic vision make her an invaluable asset to the foundation. With her at the helm, BLM is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of its rebranding and emerge stronger, more effective, and more impactful in its advocacy for Black lives.
For more information, visit Black Lives Matter and The Amplifiers. Follow Cicley Gay on Instagram: @CicleyGay.
Published by: Holy Minoza
