Chekemma is an energetic thought-leader focused on driving transformation in poverty and inequity for youth and young adults. In 2016, she was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change. As President and CEO of PYN, she draws on her experience in research, social work, and systems change to lead the creation of coordinated systems that promote academic achievement, economic opportunity, and personal success.

Before her appointment as President and CEO, Chekemma served in various capacities throughout the organization. Most recently, as PYN’s Vice President of Program Services, she led a team accountable for program design, implementation, evaluation, compliance, and continuous improvement. Prior to her work at PYN, Chekemma, served at the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation as the Senior Director of the Emerging Workforce, fusing data-driven decision-making with solid project management to implement and improve adult and youth workforce programs.

As a leader, Chekemma seeks to inspire passion, commitment and collaboration. She believes that improving lives requires hard work, courageous partners and time for laughter. She lives in the Greater Philadelphia area, and is a proud wife and mother of two daughters.

Chekemma holds her B.A. in Psychology and Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.