After Raising Nearly $1 Million, Jada Wright-Greene Steps Down From Manasota ASALH
During her tenure, Wright-Greene helped raise nearly $1 million while expanding programs and strengthening the organization’s foundation for future growth
The Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has announced that Executive Director Jada Wright-Greene stepped down on September 4 to pursue a new professional opportunity after two years of leading the organization through a period of significant growth.
Since joining Manasota ASALH in August 2024, Wright-Greene has helped raise nearly $1 million, expanded the organization’s Freedom School into Manatee County and afterschool programming, launched the Black History Month Scholarship Luncheon and led efforts to strengthen the organization’s communications, membership and donor systems and overall infrastructure.
Among the milestones during her tenure was a $450,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the largest grant in Manasota ASALH’s history. The grant supports expanded programming as well as the organizational infrastructure needed to sustain the branch’s continued growth.
During her tenure, Manasota ASALH also undertook a comprehensive rebranding and strengthened the systems it uses to communicate with members and supporters and manage donor and membership relationships. Those efforts were part of a broader initiative to build the infrastructure needed to support the organization’s long-term growth and sustainability.
“I have accepted an opportunity that I believe is the right next step in my professional journey,” Wright-Greene says. “I am grateful for the people and connections I’ve made and for all that we have accomplished together in Sarasota and Manatee counties.”
“Jada has played an important role in strengthening Manasota ASALH and positioning us for continued growth,” says Board President Derrick Randall. “We are grateful for her leadership, her commitment to our mission and the relationships she has built throughout our community. We wish her every success in this next chapter.”
Manasota ASALH will continue its programs and community initiatives while the board conducts a national search for its next executive director.
Manasota ASALH’s signature programs include the Manasota ASALH Freedom School, a community-based initiative providing K–12 students with education about the history and contributions of African and African American people, as well as its scholarship program for students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Over the past 23 years, the organization has awarded more than $701,000 in scholarships to 333 students.
