Media and Technology Center
Ellin O’Leary, who had served as Executive Director, became Chief Content Officer, giving the YMI enterprise the focused leadership it needs to be successful. Jacinda Abcarian, who previously served as Managing Director, became the Executive Director. Abcarian leads the Education and Health Departments as well as the overall Administration of the non-profit. O'Leary leads the YMI Production Company, Media and Technology Departments as well as the underwriting and sponsorship for broadcast, online and technology platforms.
Abcarian and O'Leary manage Youth Radio/YMI as a Management Team, working with the Executive Committee of the Youth Radio Board for key strategic decision making.
The expanded management has resulted in a growth in the agency’s budget, in spite of tough economic times, from $2.7 million in 2007 to $3.5 million in 2009.The $5 million dollar Capital Campaign has $500,000 left to raise before closing the Campaign and the Youth Media International enterprise showed a 12% rate of profitability as of September 30, 2009.
The growth of the organization and the facility has allowed the organization to develop total wraparound services for our students including case management with a licensed clinician who leads the department. In addition, the Health Department has launched a public health media platform that Youth Radio piloted in 2009 as a new social enterprise.
