Olubunmi Olatunji

Program Director

Born and raised in Providence RI to Nigerian immigrant parents, Olubunmi is a product of the Providence Public School System (Go Panthers!) and a first-generation graduate of The University of Rhode Island. As a result, Olubunmi is intimately aware of the challenges around the social and emotional learning of the students in Providence and the greater Rhode Island.

She has a personal passion for improving the lives of the people in her community and strongly believes in the power of local individuals’ ability to enact positive change. Excited about the work ahead, Olubunmi looks forward to seeing the continued growth of Youth In Action along with work that empowers YIA students and staff to challenge and change the power dynamics in Rhode Island and beyond. She is excited to work towards a vision of providing proactive (and perhaps at times, validly disruptive) youth with the tools and support they need to make the changes we all need and want to see.

Aisha Isabel

Program Manager VISTA

aisha@youthinactionri.org

Hey y’all, I’m Aisha. Being from Providence RI, I’ve learned the value of storytelling. I often spend my time in spaces where I get to share my stories with others and learn from them. It’s a passion of mine to continue doing work that encourages people to take space and tell a story that only they can tell.

Elliot Rivera

Executive Director

elliot@youthinactionri.org

(he/him, el/ellos pronouns)

Elliot comes to YIA with an extensive background in youth-led programs, community engagement, higher education research and policy work throughout New England. A native of Worcester MA and first generation college graduate, Elliot has integrated his intersecting identities into all of his efforts to great success.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead such an innovative organization! YIA plays an imperative role in the development of youth and their adult allies, going beyond traditional approaches to leadership development by prioritizing social-emotional development. This leads to effective, long-term impacts on our participants. It truly is an honor to be part of this organization!”