The South Side Community Growth Foundation has appointed Deka (Dancil) Eysaman as its inaugural executive director. A lifelong Syracuse resident, Eysaman is recognized for her leadership in advancing equity and opportunity. Most recently, she served as assistant director of field organizing at the New York Civil Liberties Union. Also, as board president of the Urban Jobs Task Force, Eysaman led the “I-81 Local Hire” campaign, securing 15 percent local jobs for the viaduct project and millions in wages for the community. Eysaman also brings extensive experience in youth development, having served with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse and Syracuse University’s Science and Technology Entry Program. In 2020, she was honored by BizEventz and CNYBJ as a 40 Under Forty recipient. As executive director, Eysaman will guide the foundation in strengthening its impact, deepening community connections, and advancing a shared vision for Syracuse’s South Side.
