Daphne Griffin

Daphne Griffin was appointed executive director of Scholar Athletes, a Boston-based nonprofit that provides academic support and college preparation. The organization serves nearly 5,000 students in more than 20 schools in Boston and Springfield.

“Daphne is the perfect choice to lead this dynamic organization at such a critical moment in its growth,” Sandy Edgerley, Scholar Athletes board member, said. “On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to have her leading our team.”

Griffin first joined Scholar Athletes in 2013 as deputy executive director.

Her previous roles include serving as the chief of human services under the administration of then-mayor Thomas Menino, making her the first Latino-American to hold that position. As chief of human services, Griffin oversaw seven city departments with a combined budget of more than $26 million. Before that, Griffin was the executive director of Boston Centers for Youth and Families, the largest public human services agency in Boston. She also has served as the executive director of Blue Hill Club and the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. Currently she is on local and national boards focused on youth development, Latino education and education policy.

“The true honor of this appointment is that it is in direct service of young people,” Griffin said. “I’m eager to help drive our agenda forward as we aim to support more students in meaningful ways as they navigate high school, college and beyond.”

The nonprofit has more than 20 dedicated classroom spaces in Boston and Springfield. The spaces, called “zones,” include technology and other resources and are staffed by full-time Scholar Athletes program coordinators. Students, both athletes and non-athletes, receive mentoring, academic support and college preparation throughout the academic year in these spaces. The nonprofit also works to remove financial barriers to college by awarding scholarships to its participants.

Scholar Athletes was established in 2009 as a partnership between the City of Boston and Suffolk Construction. The program has since grown to serve Springfield as well.