Elisha Rhodes is a longtime movement builder, change agent, and nonprofit executive with over 18 years of experience. Rooted in her commitment to racial and social justice, she has a proven track record working across a broad set of issues central to the lives of black indigenous people of color, including education justice and access, health and reproductive rights, gender justice, youth empowerment, and economic security.
Elisha currently serves as the Executive Director at the Center for Racial Justice in Education (CRJE), a national organization with deep New York City roots committed to dismantling patterns of racism and injustices in our schools and communities.
Before joining CRJE, Elisha served as YWCA USA’s interim Chief Executive Officer, where she guided the organization’s strategic and operational growth, effectively stewarding critical resources to support a federated network of over 200 local associations in 45 states, serving over 2.4 million women and girls each year. Prior to becoming the interim CEO, Elisha served in various roles within the organization including Chief Operating Officer. As the COO, she led strategic initiatives to ensure that YWCA maintained the operational, cultural, fiscal and relational resources necessary to propel the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Elisha received the 2023 YWCA Woman of Distinction award and is a member of Forbes NonProfit Council. Devoted to supporting the advocacy and leadership of young individuals, she serves as the Treasurer of Black Swan Academy, a youth civic leadership and engagement organization, has co-chaired the America250 Youth Engagement Council, served as a judge for the 2021 NFL America250 Awards, and created the The Future is Now scholarship fund to provide professional development opportunities for young professionals. She has been published in The Hill and the Chicago Tribune.