Senior Management
As a long-standing organization Youth Co-Op is privileged to count with a leadership team that has years of experience running the various programs offered, and who have been instrumental in helping the organization grow, increase its services and be an asset to the community by serving its most vulnerable residents. For many years, our agency has developed a good sense of what we do best. We keep current on the latest issues, skills, best practices, and research affecting our stakeholders and the communities in which we serve. One of the greatest strengths of our leadership is the ability to analyze and synthesize current trends and various viewpoints in order to forecast how these issues will affect our participants; while delivering excellence in service and earning the respect of those who entrust us to carry out our mission each day.
Connie Perez-Borroto – President and Chief Executive Officer
Throughout her tenure Connie Perez-Borroto has had a key role in positioning Youth Co-Op, Inc. as a leading agency in providing life-changing services to those in greatest need. Her belief in Youth Co-Op’s impact in the community continues to be the key element and driving force in her professional journey.
As a result of her continued leadership, dedication and expertise, in August 2020 the Board of Directors named Ms. Perez-Borroto President & CEO of Youth Co-Op.
Previously, Connie served in a variety of leadership roles across multiple departments throughout Youth Co-Op, which had her working very closely with the Executive Director at the time, and serving as liaison between Youth Co-Op, funding sources and community organizations. She was instrumental in successfully completing the State’s licensure and accreditation process for the agency’s Training Institute, and was responsible for coordinating partnerships throughout the community. Connie also spent several years in the education field working at Miami Senior High School and as a Summer Program Coordinator and a Youth Counselor.
Ms. Perez-Borroto is a strong believer in education and puts that belief to practice. She holds an Associate of Arts from Miami-Dade College, a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Public Administration with a Concentration in State and Local Governments from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a LEAN SIX SIGMA Belts Certification from Florida International University. Her extensive training also includes Certification as a Florida Workforce Professional and is certified in ALICE Training for Business. With an extensive professional and academic trajectory, Ms. Perez-Borroto has received recognition from various honor societies and is actively involved in community service boards. She is a Member of the American Society for Public Administration, Phi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key Honour Society. She serves on the Miami-Dade County Age Friendly Initiative Stakeholder Advisory Committee and the United Way Miami Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board.
Connie Perez-Borroto is a professional who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of the residents of our communities. Her experience, commitment and dedication are instrumental as she leads Youth Co-Op through the 21st Century.
Alicia Sante – Deputy Director/Program Operations
Ms. Sante, one of YCI’s early volunteers, has over 38 years of experience in employment and training programs with a strong emphasis in project management. She oversees program operations in the four-county service area. She is certified as a Florida Workforce Professional and holds a Bachelor Degree in Professional Management.
Alicia Sante has been directing Youth Co-Op’s program operations since 1980. Ms. Sante is responsible for overseeing the operations of employment, training and youth programs for the organization. She participates in program design, coordinates organizational services and activities, and manages the program activities in Youth Co-Op’s service centers, which serve a variety of clients including refugees, adults and youth. Ms. Sante acts as liaison to agency staff as well as other community programs facilitating interpretation of program-related federal, state and county regulations and policies. She develops and provides oversight to administrative procedures to meet the objectives established by funding sources and organizational leadership, and establishes evaluation criteria to maintain high performance standards and ensure the effective use of program resources.
Ms. Sante began her tenure at Youth Co-Op as Youth Counselor, a role in which she was responsible for the recruitment, intake and placement of program participants as well as the preparation and distribution of the participants’ payroll. She was also responsible for planning and conducting special instruction and career guidance programs.
A graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Ms. Sante holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Management and is certified as a Florida Workforce Professional. She is is technology savvy, and has knowledge in various information management systems that are relevant to the human services industry.
Jorge L. Pichardo, Finance Director
Jorge Pichardo has been directing Youth Co-Op’s financial operations since 2002. As Finance Director, Mr. Pichardo oversees the financial activities of the agency’s programs, as well as directs and formulates the organization’s financial policies and procedures. In addition, he authorizes and approves the development of financial systems, directs and monitors the investment of public funds and oversees Youth Co-Op’s daily accounting activities. Mr. Pichardo is responsible for leading and coordinating the agency’s audits to ensure the organization complies with established accounting standards, as well as state and federal requirements and statutes. In his role as Finance Director, Mr. Pichardo develops and maintains direct relationships with funding sources, as well as banking, insurance and other entities to facilitate the agency’s financial operations.
Mr. Pichardo came to Youth Co-Op with 12 years of experience as a Comptroller in Puerto Rico, bringing with him significant knowledge in computerized accounting system implementation, staff training and streamlining report processes to achieve greater accuracy and timeliness. Mr. Pichardo’s experience in budget development, financial projections, as well as individual and consolidated government and finance reporting for a multi-subsidiary company represented a significant asset to Youth Co-Op. As the organization has grown and developed throughout the years, Mr. Pichardo has continued to enhance its financial operations.
Mr. Pichardo holds a Bachelor of Science and an MS in Chemistry, Mathematics and Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico. In addition, he has training in multiple accounting, financial analysis, personnel management and cost accounting systems, and is proficient in various computer software programs.