Our Executive Director

For seventeen years, Rowena Harper has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of young people in the University District through Street Youth Ministries. Her leadership and vision has been a driving force at SYM and she will be greatly missed by the staff, volunteers, clients, alumni and board. It has been such an privilege to watch her lead with enthusiasm, passion, and a heart for Christ. Please join me and the entire Board of Directors in thanking Rowena for her service to SYM and the community. We offer gratitude and thanks for her contribution and direction during her tenure as Executive Director of SYM and wish her every success and blessing in her future endeavors!

After an extensive and rigorous search led by the Board of Directors, we are please and proud to announce that Rita Buyco has accepted the position of Executive Director of SYM. Rita comes with extensive experience in outreach ministries and has demonstrated she has a heart to serve. She has served on staff in various capacities at the University Presbyterian Church for twelve years and at the University of Washington before that. We are confident that Rita’s many talents and leadership skills along with her wide-ranging experience will be an asset to SYM. We are confident Rita is the right leader to work alongside staff, volunteers, the board and the University community as we enter this new phase of transition and vision. Please join us in welcoming Rita to this new position!

-Jan McClintock, Board President

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Here is a little bit about our new Executive Director, Rita Buyco:

Rita has lived in the Seattle area most of her life and loves the easy access to oceans and mountains! Before coming to SYM, Rita held an outreach position at the UW whose goal was to equip middle and high school students from underrepresented groups in higher education to succeed at Washington state 4-year colleges and universities. After that, she took a position at University Presbyterian Church that lasted 15 years working with youth, families and others to serve locally, nationally and internationally as the hands and feet of Christ. The highlight of both of those positions was working alongside amazing staff and to see transformation and power developed in the young people. Rita has been a long time supporter of SYM and has coordinated donations and volunteer opportunities in that support.

Rita is excited about looking toward the future of SYM and growing this essential ministry in the University District. SYM has always operated in a flexible, nimble way to react to situations and conditions in the community effecting our young people. SYM staff is uniquely equipped to meet new challenges and fulfill our mission by connecting, partnering, and affirming Seattle’s Youth.