Praise Our Peeps March 16, 2026

Thank you for 21 years of extraordinary service Ms. Vicki Stockbridge!

Curated by Adrian Ruiz

In a time when working for a nonprofit agency can be seen as transactional and transient, Miss Vicki Stockbridge showed us the importance of putting the time in to be part of a team that is transformational. For 21 years, Vicki served the YDN with passion and precision. Her strengths inspired us to deliver our training’s and projects with high-end diligence, ensuring that every detail was carefully crafted. 

If I set the sail in a direction for the organization as the Executive Director, Vicki, in her role as Assistant Director, has set the standard and expectations for the journey to get us there. I often joke that I may be the head of the organization, but Vicki is the neck. 

It has been my sincere pleasure to build YDN alongside Vicki Stockbridge. Our strengths, while different, complement each other in ways that deliver time and time again. Vicki will still and always be a part of the YDN Team, but now she gets to spend more time with Carol and friends while still lending a supportive hand to YDN on special assignments.

Vicki, I wish you tons of laughter, joy, clarity, and gratitude as you enter this well-earned chapter of your life. I will always cherish the battles we fought together and the impact that we have had on our beloved community. You have taught us well. As A Tribe Called Quest said in their farewell album, “We got it from here… thank you for your service.” 

P.S. I’m not crying, it’s just my allergies. Yeah right! 

Always on your side, Adrian