Register Today

The American Youth Foundation congratulates and celebrates Ambrean Ford, Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion, who was recently recognized as national leader in creating a more inclusive, equitable workplace.

Ford received the 2022 Walk the Walk Diversity, Equity & Leadership Award from Untapped, an online recruiting platform focused on helping employers build more representative workplaces. Ford is one of 100 individuals from across the country to receive this honor, which recognizes leaders in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging who “challenge the status quo” and push “DEIB forward in their organizations and communities.”

According to Untapped: “This year’s ‘Walk the Walk’ Diversity Equity & Inclusion Leadership Award winners are a shining example of what individuals can accomplish when they inspire others to prioritize facing uncomfortable truths and committing to meaningful, real-world change. From C-suite executives to grassroots organizers, our list showcases DEIB leaders across industries and their innovative strategies, groundbreaking programs, and impressive results.”

Ford said she was shocked and honored to be recognized for her work with the AYF to be acknowledged among the other award recipients.

“It was inspiring to read what the other 99 leaders were doing at their organizations. I was proud to be listed with them,” she said. “It just makes me happy to keep doing this work because it is important and necessary.”

Ford joined the AYF full-time team in fall 2021. Under her leadership, the AYF has created a 16-member DEI Committee to assess the AYF’s larger mission and values, revamped the Mulcahy Fellowship program, and created Community Care Teams to better support emotional and mental health during summer 2022 programming.

AYF Vice President Liz Marshall said Ford’s recognition for her work with the AYF is well-deserved. “She’s bringing new perspectives, asking great questions, and working to make our programs true places of belonging,” Marshall said. “I love working with Bre, and I’m glad others can see what a bright light she is. I’m thrilled with her contributions on every level of AYF.”

Ford said this list of awardees shows the power and importance of creating inclusive, equitable spaces that welcome everyone. “It’s really good to know I am doing something bigger than me, and that it is happening at so many other places, as well,” she said.