Quanaisha Stafford brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to youth development to her role as the Director of Mt. Eden Children’s Academy after-school program at New Settlement. Her journey spans over 11 years of impactful work with young people, rooted in her passion for art and architecture as vehicles for learning. Quanaisha’s path in youth development programming began as an educator, where she designed and led art and architecture classes that helped students unlock their creativity and engage critically with their surroundings.
Prior to joining New Settlement, Quanaisha served as Assistant Director at Queens Community House, where she expanded youth programming to support student engagement, academic enrichment, and skill-building opportunities. Her leadership and collaborative approach were essential in developing initiatives that resonated with young people across the community.
As Director of MECA, Quanaisha draws on her background to create vibrant, inclusive programs that celebrate the power of the arts to inspire. She is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities to explore their identities, build community, and develop skills that will support them well into the future.
