Dorothy Stoneman, Founder of YouthBuild USA

Dorothy Stoneman is the founder and former CEO of YouthBuild USA, Inc. a program that helps low-income unemployed 16 to 24 year olds work toward their high school diploma or its equivalent while building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people in their neighborhoods. YouthBuild programs create a loving community that emphasizes leadership development and social responsibility. Over 165,000 young adults have participated in YouthBuild programs, producing over 34,000 units of affordable housing in over 260 local urban and rural communities in America and another 80 programs in 21 other countries.

Awards Stoneman has received include the White House Champions of Change Award (2012), Harvard Call to Service Award (2011), the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2007), the John Gardner Leadership Award (2000), and a MacArthur “genius” Fellowship (1996). She graduated from Harvard College with a major in History and Science in 1963, moved to New York City where she earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education, and became a public school teacher and resident in Harlem. Bank Street awarded her an honorary PhD in 1994. She continues to serve on many boards and advisory boards related to ending poverty and increasing opportunity in America, including the board of Public Allies, board of trustees of America’s Promise, and the National Advisory Board for Public Service at Harvard.