Suggestions
Emily Wolff
Director of the Mayor's Office of Youth & Families
Emily Wolff is the Director of the Office of Youth & Families (OYF) for the City of New Orleans. She has been instrumental in shaping policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable youth and families in the city. Under her leadership, OYF focuses on several strategic priorities, including enhancing positive youth development programs, transforming the juvenile justice system, and integrating behavioral health services into community support systems.12
Background and Experience: Before her current role, Emily Wolff served as the Executive Director of the Broadmoor Improvement Association, where she was pivotal in establishing the city's first education corridor. This initiative connected various community resources such as schools, libraries, and health clinics to provide comprehensive support for families.1 She is also credited with founding the Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center, which converted a vacant parochial school into a community hub offering arts and wellness services.1
Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bard College and a Master’s in Public Affairs from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School.1 Her work emphasizes social justice and aims to bridge the gap between policy-makers and those most affected by their decisions.13
Recent Initiatives: Wolff has been actively involved in presenting community data on child well-being through initiatives like the NOLA Kids Data Book, which analyzes various indicators affecting children in New Orleans. This effort aims to inform residents about challenges and opportunities within their communities.2 Additionally, she has participated in events such as the Annual Neighborhood Summit, promoting community engagement and resource sharing among local leaders.2
In summary, Emily Wolff's career reflects a strong commitment to enhancing youth services and advocating for equitable policies that directly impact families in New Orleans.