Iya Antoinette M. Emers has a nearly three-decade distinguished, visionary, leadership career in NYC’s premiere non-profit organizations working on aging, food security, social justice, health, and faith on behalf of multigenerational communities. Prior to her current role as the Initiative Manager at NYC’s Division of Youth and Community Development, Ms. Emers was a Community Coordinator for the Mayor’s Action Plan in NYC’s Department for the Aging.

Ms. Emers joined CFA’s Board of Directors in 2017. She has co-chaired the Board Development committee since 2020 and is responsible for new member recruitment and orientation and current member skills building. She initiated a Board buddy system and co-created the Board’s welcome package. She also serves on the fundraising committee to help raise funds to support the dynamic work of Community Food Advocates. She feels great joy and honor in serving as a CFA Board member due to the commitment to the organization’s mission exhibited by Executive Director, Liz Accles, fellow Board members and staff.

Ms. Emers has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Art for Life Award, Mayor’s Action Plan Service Award, The Hostos College Gerontology Mentor Award, Hunter Public Scholar Mentor of the Year Award, Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs East Harlem Community Service Award, Van Dyke I Resident Leadership & Medgar Evers Community Cornerstone Women Leadership Award, Kips Bays Castle Hill OAC Outstanding Appreciation Award, Tompkins Intergenerational Service Award, and so many more. She is a Lukumi Priest, poet, DC 37 Union Delegate, and member of the Trinity Wall Street Church Congregational Council, Hostos Gerontology Advisory Board, and Harlem Advocates for Seniors. She also co-founded New Beginnings. Her most important roles are proud Mom to Ayinde and Nana to Sofia.

Ms. Emers is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle - Rosa Parks Campus, Hunter Brookdale Certificate of Aging; DC37 Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy;

Faith In New York Transformational Leadership School; and North Star People Power Giving Project.