Dwana M. Young, MPA, CSM - With a combined 20 years of nonprofit, state, and federal experience, Dwana has been a remarkable leader in child advocacy, policy, and community engagement. Driven by her innate passion for equity and justice, she takes pride in servicing communities with knowledge and excellence. 

Dwana is the owner and principal consultant at Seed to Sequoia, LLC where she offers excellent consulting services in the area of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), curriculum design, program development and more. 

Dwana received her Baccalaureate degree from Montclair State University, NJ where she studied Humanities and Human Services Counseling. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master’s degree in Public Administration later becoming an adjunct professor within the same department. Currently, Dwana is employed by Garde State Equality, New Jersey’s largest LGBTQI+ advocacy organization where she serves as the Communities Healing Together Program Manger creating change and healing communities in the city of Newark.

Dwana is a certified ACEs trainer and holds certificates in Public Management, Adolescent Advocacy, LGBTQI Safe Spaces and DEI in the workplace.

Dwana has facilitated panel discussions and participated in round table discussions with Dr. Rob Anda, Laura Porter, Dave Ellis, Congressman Andy Kim and Dr. Nadine Burke Harris to name a few. Dwana has also participated in panel discussions with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey Division of Civil Rights surrounding trauma and the effects of ACEs in New Jersey Communities. 

Dwana is currently a member of the Thomas Edison State University's Human Services Advisory Committee and she was previously a member of the Rutgers University and Department of Child Protection (DCF) and Permanency (DCPP) New Worker Training Curriculum Design Team, DCF Race Equity Strategy Team, DCF Truth and Reconciliation Committee and the Office of Resilience (OoR) Actions 4 ACEs Strategy Committee. 

Dwana has been recognized by private and public organizations for her extraordinary commitment to advocacy and equality. 

 Dwana is the second eldest of four siblings, a friend and proud pup parent to a 1-year-old mini goldendoodle, Foxi.