Special Projects Coordinator

Jude Koski

415-442-5060 ext 18
jude@calyouthconn.org

Jude serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for California Youth Connection (CYC), one of nation’s leading statewide advocacy organizations for current and former foster youth. In his role, he directs the Humboldt County CYC Chapter component of the Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration (HCTAYC) funded by Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services, CYC Statewide Youth Advisory Board, and Bay Area Foster Youth Intern Program funded by Zellerbach Family Foundation. As Northern Region Supervisor, 2006-2010, he oversaw the chapter outreach and policy development for 20 chapters throughout the northern region of California. He directed the Youth Led Evaluation Project (YLEP), which surveyed 32 Alameda County group homes and resulted in State and County recommendations to improve care provided in relation to pre-emancipation planning and education. Jude also coordinated the Youth Training Team for the Out of Home Youth Advocacy Council (OHYAC) an effort in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) foster youth. He has dedicated his professional career to positive youth development, environmental, racial, and social justice work.

Jude Koski is a founding leader of San Francisco Garden Resource Organization (SFGRO), established in 2003. SFGRO provides assistance to residents starting new community gardens and support and resources to the existing 50+ local community gardens. In his former Garden Coordinator role at Page Street Community Garden, he spearheaded an 18-month campaign that ultimately saved the garden from being developed.

Previous work experience includes being the Field and Chapter Coordinator role at Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE), an international advocacy and support organization for youth and adults with LGBTQQ parents and the Education Coordinator for Ozone House, an Ann Arbor, MI based housing and support services organization for runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth.

His volunteer activities have included serving on the Board of Directors for Mountain Meadow Summer Camp in New Jersey and Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association in San Francisco.

He attained his MBA in Sustainable Management at Presidio Graduate School and holds a BS in Business from Johnson & Wales University.