Executive Director, Elika Almeida

---

Elika Almeida has championed youth and women’s advocacy in the Pocono Mountains since 2004. After stepping away from a corporate career to focus on her family and community, she co-founded Youth Infusion in 2009—igniting a lifelong passion for fostering community engagement and empowering young people. Her belief in the transformative power of youth voice continues to drive her work, creating pathways for young people to influence meaningful, lasting change.

As the visionary behind Youth Infusion’s signature programs, including Youth Talks, the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YLAB), Girls Infused, and the Rooted in Youth Podcast, Elika has built dynamic platforms designed to amplify youth voices, build confidence, and develop leadership. Through these initiatives, young people are not only supported but empowered. They are given a true seat at the table, encouraged to use their voice, and provided with safe, inclusive spaces where they can show up as their authentic selves and grow into leaders within their communities and beyond.

Elika places a strong emphasis on mentorship and connection, recognizing the critical role that supportive adults play in guiding youth through personal growth, career exploration, and service-learning experiences. Under her leadership, Youth Infusion integrates mental health awareness into its programming, ensuring that young people are equipped with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

She is also a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) Instructor, and is deeply committed to supporting young people facing mental health challenges through prevention, education, and early intervention.

In addition, Elika created the Girls Infused Program, designed to empower girls ages 10–15 by strengthening their confidence, leadership, and sense of self. The program connects participants with strong female mentors from the community who inspire, uplift, and guide the next generation of leaders.

Elika’s unwavering dedication to youth-led change, mentorship, and community connection continues to shape Youth Infusion’s impact, equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead, serve, and make their voices heard.