Cydnei Drake, Southeast Region Program Director

Cydnei Drake is a macro social worker passionate about social justice & civic engagement with nearly a decade of experience in community organizing, youth development, and program management. 

For Cydnei, there was no straight path to success. Everything she has accomplished thus far comes from her dedication and passion for her career. She is an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work, respectively. Cydnei is a 2x former school board candidate for Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD and currently serves on the district’s Bond Oversight Committee, overseeing $350 million bond projects. 

Since joining IGNITE in 2018, Cydnei has been a vital member of the Programs Team and was instrumental in expanding IGNITE’s presence in Texas as well as designing and leading IGNITE’s K-12 programming. Leading with a servant’s heart, Cydnei is an active member of the Junior League of Dallas, serves as a mentor for the LBJ Women’s Campaign School at The University of Texas at Austin, a board member of Elevate North Texas, the first youth homeless shelter in Texas, and serves on the Education Committee for the NAACP DFW Metro. For inquiries about the Southeast Region, you can contact Cydnei at cydnei@ignitenational.org.