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: [email protected]
Steve on Public Allies!

Jeremiah Roman: Program Director

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: [email protected]

Linda Watrous, Director of Education

Linda Watrous is a native New Yorker, who grew up in Astoria, Queens, and now lives in the Upper West Side. A proud graduate of the New York City public school system, she went on to earn a B.A. in Sociology from Temple University in Philadelphia, and a M.Ed., Reading from Northeastern University in Boston. She’s been involved in afterschool education programs in Manhattan for 30 years, first at Star Learning Center, a program of the settlement house (St. Matthew’s & St. Timothy’s Neighborhood Center), and then as the founder of The Cornerstone Learning Center. She became the Director of Education for FYI in September 2012 as Cornerstone is uniting with FYI.

“My passion is for all young people to have the opportunities to be – to become – the people they want to be. To me, reading and the ability to reason, are the cornerstones to success. I love being at FYI because everyone on staff shares the guiding principles of loving the youngsters in our program and working to help them grow in every way.”

Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Wendy Peña: Program Coordinator

Wendy Peña is in her second-year of the Public Allies program. Her first-year placement was with the Cornerstone Learning Center, which led her to work with FYI this year. Wendy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University. In her time with FYI, Wendy has brought her love for academics and language to our program, working with our Welcome students, and helping us formalize our afterschool college readiness program.

"FYI empowers our youth to be leaders in their community. Being a part of this family and having the chance to make a difference in our future generation is a blessing and is what motivates me to do my job each day."

Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Fatima Guzman: Group Leader

FYI is thrilled to welcome Fatima Guzman to the FYI team. Fatima was an FYI participant herself, and after graduating from Fashion Technologies High School, she worked part-time while obtaining her Associates Degree at BMCC. Fatima is planning to continue her education, earning a teaching degree so that she can continue to work with young people. Fatima brings creativity and flair to FYI, using her background in fashion, art, and photography to keep our youth sparked!

“The transition from FYI participant to staff member was a little hard, but the FYI team was there to guide me through, just like they were there for me when I was a youth participant."

Email: [email protected]

Augusto Alarcon: Group Leader

Augusto Alarcon came to FYI as a social work intern from Lehman College in 2011. It was such a great match that he returned to FYI as a member of the Public Allies program, having graduated from Lehman with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Mass Communications. Augusto is planning to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work and wills continue working in the youth development field. Having had a great experience himself as part of an afterschool program in high school, Augusto realized how important it is for young people to receive guidance and support outside of school. His combination of humor, compassion, and high expectations has been a tremendous asset to our youth.

“Explorers used to think that the study of geography was the act of sailing your ship to the farthest reaches of the earth and pushing yourself to the limit without toppling. Those who made it the farthest charted new territory, developed discipline, and became diligent. My hope is that my work at FYI, offering new experiences, guidance, and community service opportunities, will help adolescents push themselves in the same way."

Email: [email protected]

Maria Herrera: Communications 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: [email protected]