Be Strong Overhauls Leadership to Solidify Youth-Driven Mission

The organization’s latest appointments bring significant academic and corporate expertise to the table. Erika J. Davis of JM Family Enterprises and Dr. Pamela Morris Perez of New York University have joined the Governance Board, transitioning from their previous roles on the Advisory Board. Meanwhile, the Advisory Board will now be led by co-chairs Jesula Jeannot and Mike Pepperman. Jeannot’s promotion is particularly symbolic, marking a full-circle journey from her early days as one of the nonprofit's first student representatives to a primary leadership position.

This structural evolution also honors the memory of Cheryl Ambrose, who passed away in July 2026. A dedicated advocate for mental health and occupational safety, Ambrose was appointed to the Governance Board shortly before her death, and the organization has now formally recognized her as a Legacy Board Member. CEO Ashleigh Cromer emphasized that these changes are designed to ensure the organization remains resilient by empowering the next generation of voices.

Looking toward the future, Be Strong plans to launch its inaugural Student Advisory Board. This new body is intended to provide young people with a direct, formal mechanism to influence the organization's strategic priorities, national awareness campaigns, and programming. The move follows the departure of outgoing Advisory Board members Christine Ackerson, Patrick Chapman, Sameer Hinduja, and Amy Stevenson, who were recognized for their years of service to the mission.