La-Vena Francis is a transformational operations and strategy executive with more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale initiatives, strengthening organizational performance, and expanding community impact across New York City. She has overseen budgets up to $30 million, led teams of over 1,000 employees, and delivered programs serving more than 57,000 residents annually. Guided by her belief that “we rise by lifting others,” La-Vena is known for advancing equity, operational excellence, and mission-driven growth.
La-Vena currently serves as Operations Manager for Beyond Bedtime, a national nonprofit providing children facing adversity with the materials, education, and support they need to wake up ready to thrive. She manages logistics, inventory systems, and fulfillment operations that power nationwide program delivery, while fostering collaboration and equity-centered initiatives that strengthen organizational impact.
She is also the Founder and COO of DAHewitt Enterprises LLC, a mission-driven real estate development and management firm dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing for low-income families. Her leadership spans strategic planning, property management, and partnerships with New York City agencies to advance housing stability and equitable neighborhood development.
Previously, La-Vena spent more than two decades with the YMCA of Greater New York, holding multiple executive roles, including Vice President of Field Operations. She led five branches and off-site programs across Queens, guided major capital projects, expanded programming serving tens of thousands, and drove significant membership and engagement growth in earlier leadership roles at the Cross Island and Ridgewood YMCAs.Her leadership has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Queens Power 100 (City & State), Queens Power Women (Schneps Media), and the Black Achiever in Industry Award. La-Vena is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing (BBA) at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and is a graduate of the YMCA Executive Leadership Institute.