Victoria Neznansky, LCSW, chief development and social services officer at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, is a Jewish refugee from the Former Soviet Union, Ukraine. A graduate of New York University with Master’s Degree in Social Work, Victoria was recognized by the U.S. State Department for her outstanding contributions to this country for her advocacy work for human rights and women’s empowerment, and has devoted her clinical career to the field of trauma and immigration.
Ms. Neznansky brings her unique background and her rich experiences to the administrative position at the Y where she develops and oversees social services for vulnerable community residents, children with special needs, early childhood, social work education and supervision. Most notably, she conceived and oversaw the project “Sosua: Dare to Dance Together”, which brings the Dominican and Jewish youth of the Washington Heights and Inwood community together in a musical production about the Holocaust. “Sosua” has received international and national awards and recognition for its global impact on youth and peace. Ms. Neznansky has been instrumental in the production of the award winning documentary “Sosua: Make a Better World” assuring the Y’s project has a permanent place in history with a free curriculum guide for educators.
As the chief development and social services officer at the Y, Victoria provides leadership and oversight of all resource development strategies and activities. She works with the board, professional staff, and program staff to lead and direct significant major gift fundraising to secure philanthropic support for the Y to enhance and support its mission.
