Our Staff

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I moved to the Pocono Mountains with my family in 2004. At the time, I was transitioning from the corporate world into the entrepreneur world.  I had already started my business EA Wedding Planner and ELysian Events in 1999 but was struggling to build my brand and clientele. 

I knew that in addition to being an entrepreneur, I also loved being involved in my community and being there for my kids was what was in my heart and the most important thing I had to do as a young mom. I struggled to find activities for my kids to participate in within our community. 

I worked for the United Way of Monroe County as there corporate giving and campaign database coordinator when I first moved to Pennsylvania. I learned so much in one year and loved the connections made, especially being involved with the many details of the Day of Caring Event.  I knew after a year that I needed to do more in my community and get more involved so that my children also grew up wanting to be involved in their community. 

In 2009, I met Francesca Turturro and we quickly became best friends. Francesca and I are the founders of Youth Infusion, Inc.  Francesca was the Executive Director and Program Director and I worked as our Marketing Director.  We both believed that youth voices are powerful and when youth have a platform to use their voices, they can drive positive change in the world. 

Several years passed and I had to leave Youth Infusion to pursue my career as an event planner, but I had continued to follow Youth Infusion’s journey and many accomplishments, and I attended several fundraisers. During the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, I had reached out to Youth Infusion’s Board of Directors and asked how I can become involved once again with the organization I still held near and dear to my heart. I am now proud to be Youth Infusion’s Executive Director. I believe today’s youth have the power and potential to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges and issues. Ask their opinions and give them a platform to voice their concerns and amazing positive change happens.

Philanthropy and advocating for youth and women have always been a part of who I am. In addition to my role as Executive Director for Youth Infusion, I am also running our Youth-led Podcast Program. I have my very own podcast called H.E.R! Heal, Empower, Rise! I believe there is power in connecting, engaging, and supporting other women. Women are stronger and our voices are heard when we stand together. Together, my co-host Alegria Sita Amor and I speak to powerful women who share their stories of adversity and how they have risen to overcome some of the toughest journeys and how we constantly evolve, learn, and support one another in order to heal.  

I have also been the chairwoman for the Pocono Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Council since December 2018.  My love for my community, supporting and advocating for women and youth is what drives me. My children are now grown but I continue to believe that we need to engage youth by creating programming that is youth-led. I am currently seeking young adults to lead our Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YLAB).  More information can be found HERE and to join our YLAB, please submit email to youthinfusion2020@gmail.com