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Explore our talented team of impact creators, board members and activists.
Debby Shore founded Sasha Bruce Youthwork over 40 years ago with a deep passion for empowering at-risk and homeless youth in Washington, D.C. What began as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive support network, thanks to Debby’s leadership and unwavering commitment. She has always focused on building the strengths and resilience of young people, helping them overcome challenges to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
Known for her warmth and dedication, Debby has been a tireless advocate for youth rights, influencing policies to address youth homelessness on both local and national levels. Throughout her career, Debby has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking work and leadership in the nonprofit sector. Some of her most notable recognitions include:
Through her unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and tireless advocacy, Debby Shore continues to shape the landscape of youth services, changing lives and building a brighter future for countless young people in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Chief of Finance and Operations
Prior to joining Sasha Bruce in 2020, Ms. Nelson was the Chief Financial Officer of Education Week, the nation’s premier publication about K-12 education; a mission-driven non-profit.
During her 15 year tenure, she was an integral member of the senior leadership team that transformed Ed Week from a traditional print publisher to a very entrepreneurial digital media organization. In her role, she oversaw finance, accounting, and investments, and helped shepherd the launch of several new products, including EdWeek Market Brief, Education Week’s business intelligence service.
Prior to Education Week, she was the Vice President of Finance and Administration at a technology start-up, which developed training simulators for medical procedures. She played a key role in raising $10 million in private equity, corporate, and bank financing, and participated in successful merger negotiations with Immersion Corp, a publicly held company.
Chief of Programs
Donnell Potts was promoted to Chief of Programs in 2019. Prior to this role, Potts directed the Sasha Bruce House emergency shelter.
He began his career in human services in 2004 as a teacher in the family home program at Boys Town. Along with his wife, they cared for more than 80 troubled youth. In 2012, Potts was promoted to Director of Residential Services at Boys Town. He spearheaded a collaboration with court social services and established the “Cool House” program in the District. During his career, Potts has received multiple accolades including Most Outstanding Youth Advocate in D.C. from the Consortium of Child Welfare in 2008, the P.G. County Outstanding Advocate, 2015, and Youth Advocate of the Year 2016, from Men of Change.
Director of Development and External Relations
As Director of Development and External Relations, Rico oversees the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts.
Mr. Rico has more than ten years of experience working in the civil rights, education, healthcare, and social justice sectors where he has brought together caring philanthropists looking to make a difference in the lives of others in their community. He is committed to working with donors to help them meet their philanthropic goals, while supporting our efforts to end youth homelessness. Rico lives in DC’s Hill East, and is a proud Hoya with a BS and MA from Georgetown University.
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
Accounting Manager
Program Manager, Phillip Reid House and REACH
Program Manager, Promise Place
Program Manager, Re-Generation House (TLP) and Independent Living Program (ILP)
Program Manager, Allen House
We’re always on the lookout for awesome, passionate, dedicated, inspirational individuals to be part of the Sasha Bruce Family!
The Executive Director reports to SBY’s governing Board of Directors. The Board has fiduciary responsibility for the agency and is active in fundraising, strategic planning, public policy and oversight of SBY’s finances. The full Board meets at least five times per year, and its committees meet every other month. Each member has equal and full voting status as outlined in SBY’s By-Laws. Board membership is a voluntary commitment and members are not compensated by SBY.
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As Director of Development and External Relations, Rico oversees the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts. Mr. Rico has more than ten years of experience working in the civil rights, education, healthcare, and social justice sectors where he has brought together caring philanthropists looking to make a difference in the lives of others in their community. He is committed to working with donors to help them meet their philanthropic goals, while supporting our efforts to end youth homelessness. Rico lives in DC’s Hill East, and is a proud Hoya with a BS and MA from Georgetown University.
