FELICITA COLON-CORDERO

Felicita Colon-Cordero is a passionate and dedicated community leader with a lifelong commitment to empowering underserved youth and fostering positive change. With roots in Newburgh and Brooklyn, Felicita has consistently championed initiatives that provide young people with opportunities to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Contributions in Newburgh & Rockland:

Founder of Lose Your Heart to Youth Inc. (LYHTY Inc.): Felicita established LYHTY Inc. to address the needs of underserved youth in Orange & Rockland Counties. Through the organization, she has spearheaded programs that provide mentorship, resources, and transformative experiences, helping young people dream bigger and break cycles of limited opportunities.

• Community Youth Engagement: In Newburgh, as the former Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh & Poughkeepsie and currently as the Community Engagement Specialist at Molina Healthcare, Felicita has organized events that promote education, leadership, and pro-social activities, fostering a sense of belonging and hope for local youth on her free time.

• Philanthropic Collaborations: Felicita has partnered with local businesses and organizations like Hispanic Heritage Foundation, United Way, Catholic Charities, Cornerstone Healthcare, M.A.R.C.S friends and many others to create impactful community events, such as the upcoming Casino Night fundraiser, aimed at supporting youth-focused initiatives and other nonprofits in the region.

Contributions in Brooklyn:

• Youth Advocacy Programs: Felicita's efforts in Brooklyn have included initiatives at Camp Friendship Youth Programs, Brooklyn NY to provide young people with access to educational resources, arts programs, and safe spaces for personal growth.

• Community Building: She has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between community organizations and underserved populations, fostering collaboration and long-term solutions for youth empowerment.

Vision and Leadership:

• Felicita’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the power of community and the potential of young people when given the right opportunities. She combines her personal & professional experiences, passion, and leadership skills as a Board Member of Safe Harbors and committee member of United Way to inspire others and create programs that leave a lasting impact.

Her dedication to enriching the lives of youth and strengthening communities has made her a     respected figure in both Newburgh and Brooklyn, embodying the principle of serving with heart     and purpose.