DBT40 Honoree: Sophie Namugenyi

Title: Chief Program Officer

Workplace: Jewish Family Services of Delaware

Age: 37

Sophie Namugenyi | DBT PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI

In the confluence of a global pandemic and a humanitarian crisis, Jewish Family Services of Delaware was tasked with being a leading response organization.

JFS resettled over 100 refugees from different parts of the world, including Afghanistan, Syria and Pakistan, to Delaware. It also was awarded a $3.5 million grant to respond to the demanding mental health workforce crisis.

As JFS chief program officer, Sophie Namugenyi was responsible for recruitment and clinical training for the 20 fellows who will be supported under this grant. She also led a team of over 70 employees through the pandemic with high demand for mental health needs in the community.

Namugenyi also works with the nonprofit’s executive leadership to provide oversight to programs, manage an annual program budget of more than $5 million, and serve as a liaison to the community that JFS serves. She also helps staff think strategically about the connection between their services and outcomes and supports the development of related data collection and reporting mechanisms.

Namugenyi also volunteers to support mothers who are struggling to transition after their children receive an Autism diagnosis and financially supports a few families and youth in need in Uganda.

Outside of the office, the mother of four boys enjoys gardening and traveling with her family.