The Staff

Meet the staff! Please follow each staff member's link on the left to learn more about them and their role at FYI.

"Steve" Ramos, MSW: Executive Director

Steve Ramos Esteban “Steve” Ramos is FYI’s “homegrown” Executive Director. He began his career with FYI as an intern with the Helping Hands Food Pantry in 1999. While interning, he was faced with the task of taking over the manager position, and was invited to join the staff as a Group Leader at the end of his internship. Since then, he has worked as AmeriCorps Supervisor, Food Pantry Director, Senior Program Director, & Associate Executive Director. At the end of 2009, he was chosen to succeed the Founder as Executive Director.

Throughout his time with FYI, Steve obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Lehman College, Master’s Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and attended Columbia Business School’s Institute for Not-For-Profit Management-Executive Level Program. In 2005, Steve was named New York 1 News’ “New Yorker of the Week,” and received the Public Allies Local and National Change Maker Award. He has been recognized by Community Board 12 and by the Latino Social Work Task Force for his work in the Washington Heights community. Steve is also a JFK Fellow, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and a member of several honor societies for his outstanding scholastic achievement. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Latino Social Work Task Force and is a member of the Advisory Committee for Lehman College’s Social Work Department.

Email: sramos@freshyouth.org
Steve on Public Allies!

Joann Santiago: Administrative Director

One year after FYI was launched in 1993, JoAnn Santiago’s twin daughters Rosalva and Rosana Casanova began attending an FYI volunteer group held in the community library to make sleeping bags for the homeless. Wanting to encourage her daughters to stay involved with such a positive program, JoAnn became an FYI Parent Volunteer in 1995. JoAnn’s superior work ethic and skills moved her onto the staff, where she has been Group Leader, Mentor Program Director and is now the Administrative Director.

“My favorite part of FYI is witnessing the significant change in our youth over their years of involvement. By empowering our youth through community service, FYI helps them develop into compassionate and caring human beings. They get really emotional and teary speaking about their growth, because it makes them remember who they once were and how much they've moved forward. Seeing them take such pride in who they have become is very rewarding to me. They've learned that it only takes a little time to make a huge difference in a community.”

Email: jsantiago@freshyouth.org

Dahlia Perry: Food Specialist & Parent Coordinator

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Dahlia Perry moved to the United States when she was 11 years old. She lives within walking distance of FYI and knows everyone in the neighborhood! Through her involvement in her children’s education, Dahlia served on her children’s school PTA Executive Board, and presided over the District 6 President’s Council. Once her daughter Tanya joined FYI as a participant, she became an active volunteer with FYI’s Parents In Action group. She joined FYI as a full-time staff member in 2003. With her charisma and nurturing nature, Dahlia has been an asset to the organization serving as Group Leader, Gardener, Parent Coordinator, and Food Specialist.

"I like working with the kids. I like that they feel they can speak to me about anything and everything. They just need a little of your time, your advice or just someone to listen to them. I especially love the way they look when they tell me how much they love me and my cooking!"

Email: dperry@freshyouth.org

Jeremiah Roman: Program Team Leader

Jeremiah Roman was born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey where he currently lives. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College, he learned about FYI from a colleague at his former job. Having shown his excellent skills as a youth worker and as a leader here at FYI, Jeremiah now serves as the Program Director as well as the FYI Summer Camp Director. His passion for athletics keeps the FYI kids in great shape all throughout the year!

"What I like about working at FYI and with the kids is the sense of family they have at this organization. Everyone is very welcoming and hard working, too. "

Email: jroman@freshyouth.org

Jackeysi Benitez, MSW: Program Coordinator

Maria Herrera Jackeysi Benitez was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx. After graduating from Daemen College in Amherst, NY, she worked alongside Luis Tapia, a former FYI participant and board member, in another youth organization in Harlem. After learning about FYI, Jackeysi became interested in working in this unique program. Her experience working here has led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work at Lehman College, graduating in May 2011. In addition to guiding the FYI youth through community service opportunities, Jackeysi brings her appreciation for literature and the arts to the FYI enrichment activities.

“FYI is a place everyone should know about!!! We provide our young people with a safe, caring and supportive environment. The youth are encouraged to challenge themselves and be leaders. I’m happy to be part of the FYI family. It’s an amazing place!!!”

Email: jbenitez@freshyouth.org

Maria Herrera: Contracts and Compliance Manager

A first generation New Yorker, Maria Herrera was born and raised in Washington Heights. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Hunter College where she also completed the Public Service Scholar Program. Maria’s previous work experience includes serving in the office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, and at the Human Services Division of the NY City Council. She is a proud mother to two great kids, and is actively involved in their school. She also co-organizes the Washington Heights CSA, and co-founded the Harvest Festival in Bennett Park, a grassroots community-building event. She began working for FYI in 2005.

“I love the energy here at FYI and I love the positive messages that cycle through our dedicated Program Coordinators, the FYI youth, and the community at large.”

Email: mherrera@freshyouth.org

Eddie Baca: Group Leader

Edward Baca Eddie began working at FYI right after completing his studies at LaGuardia Community College. During his studies, he interned at The Door, another youth program, which changed his perspective about working with kids and led him to further explore the field of youth work. Now he is one of our senior Group Leaders and brings his enthusiasm for arts, media, social activism, and more to the youth.

“From the staff to the kids, the sense of family is what attracts me to FYI. Having the chance to make a difference in our future generation is what motivates me. I see FYI as an experiment where all the rules between participant and staff members are mixed with a great family atmosphere."

Email: ebaca@freshyouth.org

Pedro Guadalupe: Group Leader

Pedro Guadalupe, a seven-year FYI veteran participant, is now FYI’s newest staff member. In addition to developing his skills as a youth-worker here at FYI, he is pursuing his Associate’s degree at Bronx Community College, in preparation for working towards his Bachelor’s degree. Having been a participant himself, Pedro has a whole new appreciation for the hard work that goes into planning the many program activities that FYI brings to the youth and FYI. His energy and enthusiasm bring a great spark to the team!

“I love the whole family vibe at FYI. Walking into the building gives me a warm, home, family feeling.”

Email: pguadalupe@freshyouth.org