Leadership
Founder & Executive Director
Leading First Works Foundation with a commitment to community-driven investment, thoughtful collaboration, and lasting impact in East Tampa.
About our Founder
Anyja Yates is the Founder and Executive Director of First Works Foundation, a community-based nonprofit committed to strengthening East Tampa through community-driven solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen community capacity, and improve quality of life.
She founded First Works Foundation with the belief that meaningful and lasting community change begins by investing in the people who already call a neighborhood home. Her leadership is grounded in service, collaboration, and a long-term commitment to building stronger communities from within.
Rather than focusing solely on short-term assistance, Anyja is committed to developing initiatives that create sustainable opportunities, strengthen local relationships, and leave individuals, families, and organizations better equipped to thrive.
Leadership Philosophy
Anyja believes that effective nonprofit leadership begins with listening. She is committed to understanding the priorities of the community, building genuine relationships, and responding with thoughtful solutions that create lasting impact.
Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that communities already possess valuable strengths, and that meaningful progress comes from investing in those strengths rather than replacing them. Through collaboration, consistency, and service, she strives to ensure that every initiative undertaken by First Works Foundation contributes to a stronger East Tampa for current and future generations.
Vision for First Works Foundation
Under Anyja's leadership, First Works Foundation is focused on becoming a trusted community partner that strengthens East Tampa through strategic community investment, meaningful engagement, and sustainable development.
The organization's long-term vision is to create opportunities that improve quality of life, strengthen community capacity, and foster a community where residents can thrive for generations to come.