Who We Are
OUR MISSON
YUCA exists because all teenagers deserve to fulfill their creative potential and have the opportunity to address community issues that matter to them. YUCA programs not only provide students an essential creative outlet and new technical skills, but also opportunities to explore social justice issues through the creative production process. These issues often determine the theme and focus of individual and group projects, leading students to greater social consciousness and illuminating their potential as activists to affect positive change in their communities.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
This summer YUCA interns were interviewed as they worked on an in-studio mural project. They shared how their creative experience with us has made them grow, what they have learned so far about art and design, and how they feel about a community art program like YUCA.
Press
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William Acevedo
Executive Director
YUCA was founded in 2006 when William Acevedo, a graphic designer born and raised in New York City’s Lower East Side, felt the need to serve youth from similar underserved neighborhoods achieve direction, self-esteem, and fulfill their creative potential. William earned an M.S. in communications design from Pratt Institute and has more than twenty-five years experience as a Creative.
Efrain Rivera
Chairperson
A semi- retired , long time resident of the Bronx and former Admin Manager with NYC DEP, Efrain Rivera has devoted his time, career and energy to advocating for Senior and Youth Programs in the Bronx and East Harlem. He joined the YUCA Executive Board in 2015, after having a conversation with YUCA’s Executive Director, who enthusiastically shared the wonderful work he was doing with youth through his arts educational program in the Bronx.
Awilda Soto
BOARD TREASURER
An active Board Treasurer with YUCA since 2006, Awilda Soto is a Human Resources professional with 30+ years of management experience. The last 15 years have been in the financial institution arena. She has notable experience in strategic human resource planning, performance management, and employee benefits. Awilda obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, and is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). She is also a Women’s Ministry Leader at Harvest Fields Community Church, and is committed to serving others in the community especially our youth. Awilda also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Robyn D. Clarke
Board Member
A licensed educator in New Jersey since 2001 and a published writer with scores of bylines, Robyn D. Clarke loves young people! She has devoted her career to helping them attain their educational and life goals. She joined the YUCA board in 2018.
Lydia Sierra
Board Member
With a unique understanding of underrepresented urban communities, Lydia Sierra has made it her mission over 25 years of non-profit work to support the organizations that allow those communities to thrive. Through her development-focused consulting firm, Lydia Sierra Consulting, she has worked with a wide variety of nonprofits, building organizational and fundraising expertise for youth and family services, juvenile justice, arts education, workforce development, immigration, and more
join yuca's junior board!
Give back by volunteering your skills and expertise.
Gain hands-on experience in non-profits.
Directly supports teens and families in the south bronx.
