PRESS RELEASE

South Side Community Growth Foundation appoints first executive director

Eysaman’s expertise in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and non-profit administration to drive momentum

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (September 25, 2025) – The South Side Community Growth Foundation is proud to introduce Deka Eysaman (Dancil), an accomplished non-profit leader and familiar face in advocating for our community, to serve as its inaugural executive director. Eysaman has a proven track record of driving impactful programs and initiatives that spark innovation within public private partnerships and advance equity for marginalized populations. This complements the mission of the Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring neighbors living on the South Side of Syracuse have access to essential programs and resources that allow them to thrive.

Eysaman most recently served as assistant director of field organizing at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), where she supervised a team of more than two dozen people across the state, directly overseeing the operations of four regional offices. Under her leadership, NYCLU grew its volunteer network by 30% and partnered with statewide organizations to lead a successful campaign to pass an equal rights amendment to the state’s constitution.While the NYCLU introduced Eysaman to hundreds of New York organizations across the state, the Syracuse community knows Eysaman best from her time serving as former board president of the Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse. Eysaman directed the organization’s “I-81 Local Hire” public advocacy campaign which ensured 15% of employees working on the I-81 viaduct project would be hired from the local community, bringing over $7 million into our economy through their earned wages. In this role, Eysaman raised more than $600,000 in funding from government and foundation sources, helped shape local policies, supported the creation of the nationally acclaimed Syracuse Build initiative,and helped the Urban Jobs Task Force through its transition from a 501c4 to 501c3 non-profit organization. She also oversaw the Task Force’s process to hire its first executive director.

Eysaman brings a wealth of experience in programming and youth development, previously serving as Teen Program Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse and Program Associate for the Syracuse University Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). She is also a 40 Under 40 recipient, being recognized by BizEventz and the Central New York Business Journal in 2020.

“I am honored to join the South Side Community Growth Foundation as its first executive director. This is an extraordinary opportunity to serve a community that is far too often forgotten, and to work alongside neighbors, partners, and leaders who are deeply committed to advancing equity and opportunity on the South Side,” said Eysaman. “I look forward to bringing my experience in advocacy, community programming and facilitating cross-sector collaboration to help ensure that every resident has access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The South Side Community Growth Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting South Side neighbors by partnering with neighbors, businesses, and government to invest in transformative community initiatives. Established by local philanthropist Chedy Hampson, the Foundation’s focus areas include affordable housing and activities that support economic mobility of South Side residents, all of which will be informed by robust community engagement efforts.

Since its founding last year, the Foundation’s team has begun cultivating relationships with their McKinley Park neighbors over face-to-face conversations, kitchen table talks and hosting a private barbeque for the community.  Deka is charged with building upon this momentum in order to refine and enhance the organization’s vision.

“We are thrilled to have Deka at the helm,” said Hampson. “Her proven record of leading impactful initiatives, combined with her deep connection to the Syracuse community, makes her the ideal leader to guide our mission forward in ways that truly serve our neighbors.”

Eysaman made her first public appearance as executive director in September at Home HeadQuarters’ annual Block Blitz, of which the Foundation was a Community Builder Sponsor. Additional information about the South Side Community Growth Foundation – including its board of directors – is provided at its website. 

About The South Side Community Growth Foundation

The South Side Community Growth Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to supporting South Side neighbors and making sure they have what they need to live their best lives. It works with neighbors, businesses, community-based organizations, and government to form partnerships and make investments in programs and projects that create meaningful impacts for community members. To learn more, visit https://southsidegrowth.org/.