Yaya Yuan

Yaya Yuan, LMSW, currently serves as the Director of Programs at Apex for Youth, overseeing education and mentoring initiatives aimed at empowering underserved Asian American and immigrant youth in New York City. Previously, Yaya held the position of Deputy Director at the Center for Court Innovation, providing leadership for the Harlem Community Justice Center, and also managed a citywide program focused on criminal justice reform. Earlier roles include Advocacy & US Program Director at LitWorld, where Yaya directed U.S. programs and structured advocacy campaigns, and Program Manager at The Children's Village, overseeing an after-school literacy program. Yaya's experience also includes teaching roles at Fudan International School, following a Master of Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Grinnell College.