Lanise Herman-Thomas is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Young Excellence Society Inc. (YES), where she leads with vision, purpose, and heart. A passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community transformation, Lanise has dedicated her career to creating programs that nurture leadership, creativity, and lifelong success in young people across New York City.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts from The College of New Rochelle and is a certified School-Age Child Care (SACC) professional. Under her leadership, YES has expanded its reach through signature initiatives such as YES Academy, YES Dance, and the Young Men & Young Women of Excellence (YME/YWE) mentoring programs.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves access to opportunity and excellence, Lanise continues to build bridges between schools, families, and communities empowering the next generation to soar beyond limits.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and dedicated youth advocate, I bring over a decade of experience in behavioral health, education, and program development to my role as Business Operations Coordinator. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and have built my career around supporting youth, families, and staff in achieving meaningful growth through structure, consistency, and collaboration.

In my current role with the afterschool program, I oversee daily operations, coordinate staff training, and ensure program quality and compliance under the guidance of OFCS. My background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices informs my leadership style centered on empathy, communication, and empowerment.

I believe that strong systems and compassionate guidance create the foundation for youth success. My goal is to foster an environment where staff feel supported, families are engaged, and young people are encouraged to reach their fullest potential both inside and outside the classroom.