Olivia Dudley is a dedicated and accomplished human services professional with over a decade of experience in youth development, victim advocacy, and nonprofit program leadership. Since 2022, she has served as the Director of Waterbury Youth Services (WYS), where she oversees the organization’s strategic plan and played a pivotal role in its merger with the Greater Waterbury YMCA. In this capacity, Olivia directs agency-wide programming, supervises team leaders, and ensures all services align with the organization’s mission and the evolving needs of the Greater Waterbury community. She also leads quality assurance efforts, manages strategic planning, coordinates reporting for funders, and cultivates strong relationships with local partners and stakeholders. Olivia holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Victimology from the University of New Haven, as well as a Certificate in Applications in Psychology.
Before stepping into her current role, Olivia served for more than five years as the Positive Youth Development Team Leader at WYS. In that position, she provided oversight and coaching to program managers, coordinated trainings and workshops, led community outreach efforts, and played an instrumental role in both strategic and operational planning.
Her commitment to community engagement extends far beyond her professional role. Olivia serves as the First Vice President of the Greater Waterbury Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; chairs the Health and Human Services Committee for the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Steering Committee; sits on the board of the Waterbury Exchange Club; and serves on the advisory council of the Racial Justice Institute for the Urban Community Alliance. She is also a member of the Steering Committee for United Way of Greater Waterbury and the Governance Committee and Board for Bridge To Success. Previously, she contributed to the Connecticut Youth Services Association’s Anti-Racism and Equity Coalition.
Throughout her career, Olivia has remained steadfast in her mission to create opportunities, build partnerships, and promote the well-being of youth and families in Connecticut. Her leadership is marked by integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of the systems that impact underserved communities.