Guided by the belief in the oneness of humanity, Ridvan Idara is committed to promoting in young people the conviction that they can be the voice of positive change in the world. To this end, for over two decades, she has committed her time, energy, and resources to developing creative and educational programs for children, emphasizing developing their moral capabilities alongside their intellectual and artistic talent.
As the visionary Founder and Executive Director of New Era Creative Space (NECS), she has cultivated a uniquely positive and collaborative approach to education, community organizing, staff development, and conflict resolution.
Her journey began in 2006, when, inspired by the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC)—a New York City-based non-profit dedicated to “building character on stage,” Ridvan established a Peekskill chapter of CTC. In 2013, she founded NECS to meet the growing demand for innovative educational programs that combine creativity and leadership development. Today, NECS is a dynamic hub for creative initiatives, fostering community engagement and empowering the next generation of mindful, innovative thinkers.
Under Ridvan’s leadership, NECS has earned widespread recognition for its impact, receiving awards such as Brian Lehrer’s Community Well-Being Award (2023), the Advancing Equity Award from ArtsWestchester (2024), the Small Non-Profit Changemaker Award from Non-Profit Westchester (2024), the Quality of Life Award from the Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce (2024), and The Gold Standard for Transparency by Candid (formerly GuideStar).
Ridvan has been honored for her remarkable contributions to the community. The Westchester Board of Legislators recognized her work in Peekskill by declaring February 24, 2021, Ridvan Foxhall Day in the County of Westchester. She was also named a Woman of Distinction by Senator Harckham (2021) and was recognized by the City of Peekskill during Women’s History Month for her outstanding community service.
Ridvan holds a Master’s in occupational therapy and is a certified Positive Discipline parenting educator. She is actively involved in her community, serving on the New York Presbyterian Hospital Hudson Valley Advisory Committee, the Westchester Youth Alliance Advisory Board, and as a Peekskill Arts Council and Peekskill NAACP member.
