Peer Leaders Zaire (’26) & Jamal (’27) facilitating a workshop from the back porch of our Youth Leadership Hub during Sigue Pa’lante 2024, our annual community share back.
Peer Leaders
Pa’lante’s main leadership body is a group of 40 student leaders representing a diverse cross section of Holyoke youth ages 14-19. Peer leaders become skilled in circle practice, political education, YPAR, public speaking and leadership development. They also build a tight web of support that becomes a second family for many.
Youth Advisory Board
A small group of peer leaders meets each week to make important decisions for the program and to plan peer leader meetings. This group rotates membership each semester.
Adult Allies
Pa’lante’s staff team and adult allies strive to support student peer leaders to lead all aspects of the program. Each staff member closely mentors a small group of peer leaders to provide academic and social-emotional support.
Board of Directors
We’ve had a committed Community Advisory Board for years, but this is a little different. A Board of Directors has legal responsibility for the organization, and provides oversight of both finances and the Executive Director! In order to make sure that young people remain at the center of organizational decision-making, we designed our bylaws to require the Board be made up of at least 50% current and former youth leaders.
Who is on Pa’lante’s 23-24 Board?
Alyzza Fontanez ‘20 (Alum Co-Chair)
Ana Rodriguez (Treasurer)
Becca Neubardt
Destiny Santiago ‘20
Fabio Ayala (Community Co-Chair)
Gabriel Nieves ‘25
Jonathan Soto
Marjorie Pagan ‘25
Leslie Brazeau ‘21
Naomi Robles
Nashali Pagan (Secretary) ‘19
Noah Vargas ‘25
Raúl Gutiérrez
Vanessa Rosa
