Cynthia F. Figueroa (Cynthia) Cynthia F. Figueroa is the President and CEO of JEVS Human Services (JEVS). In this role, she leads a dedicated team of over 2,000 employees across the tri-state area who deliver essential services to more than 19,000 people annually.
Cynthia is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience in the government and non-profit human service sectors. She builds high-performing, diverse teams and develops outcome-based programs and services. She is also a creative problem-solver, a staunch advocate for creating equitable systems, and a transformative thought leader.
Prior to joining JEVS, Cynthia served as Deputy Mayor for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families (OCF), under Mayor Jim Kenney. In this role, she provided leadership and oversight of the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and PHL PreK and Community Schools. While Deputy Mayor, Cynthia co-led the mayor’s special initiatives to address institutional racism focused on police reform, community engagement, and an inclusive economy. She also led COVID emergency responses, including access centers for the School District of Philadelphia and citywide food distribution. Her government tenure also includes service as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for DHS.
Cynthia previously served as the President and CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos and Executive Director of Women Against Abuse. During her tenure at Women Against Abuse, she led the creation of the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline. Earlier in her career, she worked on the front lines, providing direct services in behavioral health, healthcare access, and domestic abuse.
Cynthia serves on the following boards of directors: the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Reinvestment Fund, Jefferson Health Plans, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Center for Law and Social Policy. She has previously served on the board for United Way USA (Board Chair), and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA. Additionally, she is a member of the Women’s Forum of Philadelphia and the International Women’s Forum. Cynthia also served on transition teams for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
In recognition of her leadership and professional achievements, Cynthia has been bestowed numerous awards and honors. Some of these include being honored as a Pennsylvania Distinguished Daughter by Governor Wolf, a Hispanic Media Heritage Month 2024 honoree, the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship, the University of Pennsylvania Outstanding Leadership Award, the National Football League/Philadelphia Eagles Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, the Peter B. Goldberg Aramark Building Community Executive Leadership Award, and the Hispanic Bar Association La Justicia Award. She was also the Ricardo Salinas Scholar for the Aspen Institute Executive Leadership Seminar.
Cynthia has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Spring Hill College. She was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and lives in Philadelphia with her husband. They have two children.