WHO
WE ARE

I am a lifelong resident of greater Springfield, MA. I graduated from Notre Dame and Purdue, then served in the United States Army in Vietnam before returning home to build the Pride chain.

​

While at Notre Dame, I volunteered in an underserved community in Chicago and witnessed youth and families who wanted to improve their lives but were stuck in a cycle beyond their control. I later saw the same in Vietnam. Then for decades while running the Pride chain I saw the same struggles in our hometown.

 

Throughout my career I was a business entrepreneur, but now I’m a passionate social entrepreneur. My new team and I are using entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and sound business techniques to create programs to help youth & families. Our approach is to utilize education, inspiration, counseling, and a holistic approach.

I have a background in education, with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Higher Education Administration. I have worked at Bay Path University and Smith College in a number of leadership roles that has allowed me to see the whole student experience. 

 

Meeting the families and children we are serving has truly been amazing. Joining forces with other organizations has helped to open my eyes and see the good in our community. I am excited to make powerful and authentic changes in the lives of the people that we serve.

 

Fun Facts: I enjoy playing golf, skiing and doing pottery, and love Italian Renaissance Art. As a teen I had jobs as a pottery instructor, ice cream maker, and a train conductor!

My metric for success is measured by my ability to have an impact on what is greater than myself. I’m dedicated to creating change in the underrepresented communities I serve.

 

I have over nine years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. I've managed various K-12 programs and have had the pleasure of leading educational teams throughout New York City. It is truly an honor to now be doing so for Springfield, Massachusetts. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, supplemented by a Professional Project Management Certification.

​

I take pride in having positively impacted 1,000+ students and plan to increase that number daily. I’m excited to build relationships with the families of Springfield and am eager to invest in the lives of the youth here. 

 

Fun Facts: I write poetry and make music in my spare time. I also love to swim, as well as experiment in web development and design!

My personal and professional journey is anchored in arts and education advocacy, intentional community building, and an unwavering dedication in supporting and inspiring young people to live towards their passions through the arts.

I hold both a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Journalism with a Music Concentration and Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. With over fifteen years of experience as an arts educator, administrative leader, and community engagement specialist I have been honored to establish strong relationships with a wide and diverse set of educational, civic, community partners, artists, presenters, and cultural organizations in service to our youth. I believe in the transformative power of the arts to strengthen our communities, bring joy, and help young people develop the skills, confidence, and innovative thinking required to realize success in their academic, personal, and professional lives. 

Fun Fact: As a musician I have recorded and performed in New York, Boston, Chicago, and Venezuela! 

My professional career has spanned over three decades. I have a background in accounting for non-profits, manufacturing, and banking.  I am passionate about making a difference in the community. I have an associates degree from Holyoke Community College and a Bachelor's degree from Western New England University. 

​

My role at HYF expands in many ways from finances to budgeting and everything in between. 

​

Fun Facts: I used to play ice hockey. I also enjoy playing golf, cooking, reading and traveling. 

My background is in sociology and I have spent many years studying how inequality and exclusion are produced and experienced in daily life. I am excited to bring this experience to the collection and utilization of data in ways that center and support the lives of youth and their families in Springfield.

 

I hold a B.A. from Smith College and an M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to joining HYF, I worked at the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 

 

Fun facts: I love reading, writing, running, coffee shops, and naps in the sun. One time, Spotify reported that I listened to more music than 98% of all its users!

Born and raised in Holyoke, MA. 

I've spent over a decade dedicated to supporting youth from diverse backgrounds. Throughout my journey, I've been inspired to continue reaching out and helping young individuals discover their passions and set their goals. Guiding these youngsters isn't just a job; it's my lifelong passion. From providing therapeutic mentorship to offering advice on college and career paths, each success story I've witnessed has fueled my drive further.

I am an alum of Westfield State and am pursuing my graduate degree at Springfield College. Through it all my mission remains the same: to engage, educate, and empower young people, regardless of their circumstances, and inspire them to become the best version of themselves.

 

Fun Facts: Outside of work, I enjoy making music, sports (specifically basketball & football) and reading

I'm a business leader with a passion for progress and a strong background in business management. For 12 years, I've navigated the dynamic world of convenience stores, expanding company reach across the country to over 1500 locations. But while numbers and profits are important, it's the human connection that truly fuels my purpose. Working with youth and families has always been my heart's compass. I've served on the boards of The Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Holyoke Merry Go Round, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of community. This passion extends to my close work with program directors at CHD and MAK, organizations that provide opportunities to foster children. My expertise in relationship building, program expansion, and community engagement helps us make a real difference. I'm confident, collaborative, and driven by a deep belief in the power of shared success.​

​

Fun Facts: Beyond the boardroom, you'll find me in Russell, cheering on my two amazing daughters, husband, and our Bernese Mountain dog, Ryder. I love exploring my creative side through floral design and interior projects. My life is a tapestry woven with family, community, and a constant thirst for growth.

Before joining the HYF team, I taught high school for ten years in rural and urban communities in NY, MA, FL, and Costa Rica, and I worked with youth and young adults in a residential summer camp setting. Through my experience, I have become a firm believer in experiential and contextual learning. No one learns or makes decisions the same way because we all come from different walks of life. 

 

I am passionate about working with youth and families to support them in reaching their goals, creating bright futures, and helping them develop individual paths to success. Whether a student chooses to join the workforce or go to college after high school, we will work together to explore all options and make the best choice for them, specifically surrounding the college experience. 

 

I have a BA in English Literature from Le Moyne College and an MS in Education from the University of Buffalo.

 

Fun Facts: I love to be outside, exploring, and enjoying time with those close to me. On weekends, I can be found hiking, biking, swimming, gardening, and reading, accompanied by my favorite human and our dog. 

From Family and Community Analyst to Futures counselor, my journey has been fueled by a passion for empowering individuals and navigating change. I leverage my deep understanding of social dynamics and operational expertise to guide young adults in envisioning their future and crafting actionable plans to get there. I bring 10 years of experience in youth development, curriculum development, and community outreach to this role. I’m excited to create change and lasting impact in the city of Springfield.

 

Fun Fact: When I am not working, I love to cook for my family and sing! 

With 15 years of experience in the medical field, I transitioned into a role with AmeriCorps following the pandemic, where I discovered a new calling in Human Services. This career shift enabled me to work with youth, a role that has been both rewarding and inspiring.

​

I am deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people by leading by example and actively participating in their development. My goal is to ensure that youth feel seen, heard, and understood. As I embark on this new journey, my dedication to impacting the lives of young people remains a central focus of my mission.

​

Fun Fact: I enjoy going on hikes, reading, cuddling with my American bully, and eating Ice cream. 

I'm proud to hail from the vibrant island of Puerto Rico, where I first entered this world with the sun-soaked beaches and rich cultural tapestry as my backdrop. However, my journey took an exciting turn as I found myself raised amidst the historical charm of Massachusetts.

 

In my quest to contribute meaningfully to the community, I discovered HYF. With a desire to empower young minds and bridge linguistic gaps, I've committed myself to volunteering with HYF and AmeriCorps. My goal is to assist children in learning English, opening doors to a world of opportunities and fostering a sense of unity among diverse community.

Fun facts: I enjoy building model figurines, I enjoy writing stories.

I was raised in Bristol, PA by an amazing mother who was and still is very active in my hometown community. Like my mother, I have a devotion to positive youth and community development. 

​

I have worked with youth of many ages in various capacities and environments for almost 2 decades! From a children's theme park called Sesame Place, an elementary school library, after school programs and summer camps; to sitting on the National Board of Directors for The Literacy Lab and being a published children's book author and illustrator. 

​

My love of knowledge and children has me feeling like I'm right where I belong at HYF! I'm to elated to see the positive impact I'll make as part of the Hope for Youth & Families team!

I am serving my community through the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship, bringing 15 years of dedicated experience in supporting individuals with disabilities and fostering literacy among youth. I have built a distinguished career rooted in compassion and advocacy.

 

My work spans a range of roles, from direct support and personalized education to program development and community outreach. I am passionate about empowering marginalized communities. I excel at creating inclusive environments that enhance learning and personal growth. My commitment to improving lives through innovative literacy initiatives and disability services has made a significant impact, inspiring countless individuals to reach their full potential.

Having been raised up here in Springfield, I have seen everything that it has to offer. Throughout the years, the wonderful culture, people, and history of our city have empowered me to give back in whatever ways I can; whether it be through working with the youth, contributing to Springfield’s underrated art scene, or helping to foster a healthy community that promotes togetherness & equality. I am beyond excited to work with the amazing team at HYF through AmeriCorps, to move Springfield forward!

 

Fun Fact: On my own time, I love to paint, draw, sing and write stories! 

Hi, I’m Byanka! I come from a background of working in the medical field with 12 years of experience, helping those who needed it. I wanted to see what other ways I might be able to make an impact on my community, which led me to Americorps. Being a mother opened my eyes to the struggles that the youth go through today, and I am excited to see what we can do for them.

Fun Fact: I wrote an essay about my uncle who was a father figure to me, and I had entered it into a contest which had won the top prize! I also enjoy art, poetry, and music!

As a young, single mother in Springfield, I always aspired to make a positive impact on my community. Driven by this desire, I pursued higher education, earning an Associate's Degree from Holyoke Community College. My ambition didn't stop there; I continued my studies and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. This academic journey set me on a path to working with underserved communities, aiding families, children, and adults facing crises. I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build resilience. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care. I am committed to social justice and advocating for marginalized populations.

Today, I'm committed to uplifting my community and inspiring my daughter to do the same. We're both working towards creating a brighter future for ourselves and others. My love for people and commitment to service drive me to give my energy to causes that inspire growth, connection, and positive change.

​

Fun Fact: I'm a passionate traveler who has explored 12 different countries.