Pavel Valera has taken the reins as Program Director for NYCID’s SIYABC.

When I caught up with Pavel, he shared that the reason he loves working with YABC students. It’s because they are the kids who far too many times are counted out.

Born in Puerto Rico, Pavel attended primary school in San Juan.  When his family moved to our mainland he landed in Sunset Park. Eventually, he made his way to the College of Staten Island where he earned a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology.

So though he’s living in Sheepshead Bay, it’s clear he is no stranger to the island.

Pavel is a veteran of YABC as he formerly held the position of Program Director at Franklin K. Lane YABC in Brooklyn. He recently earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Alfred University.

Pavel is most passionate about helping our kids strategize for the future.  He’s the perfect guy to get it done because he knows how to set goals.  He must as a fitness nut, who loves cars, movies and nature! He keeps one heck of a busy schedule.

Pavel says that resilience is the key to doing this work. Since our kids refuse to quit despite their challenges, our teams must demonstrate resiliency to get the job done, and get it done well.

We have incredible confidence in him.

Michael De Vito, Jr.

Associate Executive Director