Javiel Vega
Director of Young Adult Opportunity Initiative & Workforce Development
(718) 466 - 1342 Ext. 109
j.vega@newsettlement.org
j.vega@newsettlement.org
Gus Cruz
Activity Specialist - CPR / Life Skills Instructor
(718) 466 - 1342
g.cruz@newsettlement.org
g.cruz@newsettlement.org
Javiel Vega
Javiel Vega, Program Director, L.M.S.W., joined New Settlement as the founding Director of YAOI in July 2005. He brings extensive experience in running and developing programs for young adults in New York City. At the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES), he served as Deputy Director of Case Management from 2001 to 2005 and Supreme Court Team Director from 1999 to 2001; at Safe Horizon, he worked as Project Director of Manhattan & Bronx Family Court Program Centers (1995–1998) and as Domestic-Violence Supervisor at Brooklyn Family Court (1993–1995). He earned his M.S.W. in 2008 from Hunter College School of Social Work and a B. A in Forensic Psychology, from CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice (1999). He is a Certified Field Instructor in Social Work, Public Notary, and is proficient in Spanish.
Dinorah Castillo
Dinorah Castillo is a passionate Assistant Director equipped with 18 years of experience in both non-profit and for-profit organizations supporting New York City job seekers of all ages with employment readiness and career counseling. She has committed her career to supporting individuals feel better prepared in their career journeys.
Dinorah joined New Settlement in 2018 as a Job Developer / Career Advisor where she was responsible for managing employer and community partner contacts, meeting with, assessing, and matching job seekers to opportunities, and supporting job readiness classes. She was promoted to Assistant Director in 2022 and is responsible for supporting the Director of YAOI in day-to-day program management tasks, supporting program staff, and supporting program participants and alumni. Before this, she worked as a Community Partner Account Manager, a Job Training and Membership Coordinator, and a Case Manager for two fatherhood programs and a back-to-work program.
While figuring out what career path to pursue, Dinorah realized the importance of sharpening her employment skills and learning as much as possible from each company she worked for. Her experience includes being an assistant manager for multiple retail companies, working as a cosmetologist, and providing administrative support in different office settings.
Dinorah prides herself on being a better person each day and having a positive impact on those around her. Her favorite quote is: You must be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
Tasheema Lucas
Tasheema Lucas (LMSW), Career Advisor for YAOI & Director for the Program for Girls & Young Women holds a Licensed-Master Social Worker-State of New York, 2023, a MSW (2021) from Lehman College, and a B.A. in English (2002) from Binghamton University (SUNY). Tasheema started at New Settlement in 2005 and has completed extensive training in Youth Development, including arts education, gender equity, youth engagement, financial literacy, college preparedness, self-defense, and sexual health education.
A native of the Bronx, Tasheema spent three summers during college as a lead facilitator of New Settlement’s Bronx Helper’s Super Summer. Her experience working with girls and boys, teen women and men also includes serving as the Site Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton, NY, as a Program Facilitator in the Broome County YMCA, and as an intern in a Public Elementary School in Binghamton. Currently, Tasheema is the organization’s liaison between New York City’s Teen Connection (NYCTC), Girls Inc NYC, Sadie Nash Leadership Project, and Girls Be Heard. Starting in August 2020, Tasheema served as a Youth Advisor within the Young Adult Opportunity Initiative, now serving as a Career Advisor. The YAOI program is unique in its community-centered, youth development-focused program model that combines a positive youth development approach and a sector-specific career pathways approach. Our program model begins with individual work plans and goal-setting around education, employment, and supportive needs. New Settlement incorporates work-based learning opportunities, including internships and on-the-job training.
Tasheema’s Favorite Quote is: Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain – Vivian Greene
Gus Cruz
Gus Cruz is a seasoned professional trainer and facilitator with over 30 years of experience in youth development and security. He has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and fostering strong community bonds.
Starting his journey as a youth leader in Washington Heights in the late 80s, Gus has cultivated a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people. He excels as a master facilitator, specializing in therapeutic recreational learning and has a proven track record of helping individuals experience their best selves.
Gus’s expertise extends to the field of security and safety training. He is a certified instructor for CPR, first aid, and security guard training, having played a vital role in enhancing the well-being of countless individuals. Throughout his career, Gus has directly trained and certified over 3000 New York City residents in CPR and first aid.
Gus has collaborated with numerous community-based organizations across the tri-state area, consistently demonstrating his commitment to building strong relationships and fostering a positive impact within communities.
Diana Hopkins
Diana Hopkins is a longtime affiliate with New Settlement for over a decade, supporting youth of all ages and the surrounding community. She has a passion for helping others and connecting individuals to resources that can benefit their goals.
Her journey began at 17 years old, as a Summer Youth Employee, working with Elementary school aged children. Shortly after, she gained a permanent position as a Jr. assistant, and since then has dedicated herself to helping youth strive to be the best version of themselves.
To be able to make even the slightest difference in one’s life is rewarding to Diana. Now, as a Youth Advisor at New Settlement’s YAOI program, she continues to bestow on to youth the knowledge and empowerment she obtained throughout her years as a participant and employee.
Sylvia Riva
Sylvia Riva is a licensed social worker with experience working with youth and young adults. Sylvia is passionate about normalizing mental health and using a holistic approach to support individuals in accomplishing their goals.
Sylvia earned her Master’s degree from Hunter College in 2023 and has been working at YAOI since. She has a deep passion for connecting with the individuals that she meets and cherishes the knowledge she gains from these collaborations. Sylvia enjoys planning intentional group sessions that discuss topics such as coping skills in an interactive and engaging format.
Dollie "Saah" Larmena
Dollie Larmena is a dedicated Youth Advisor with expertise in criminal justice and social work, committed to empowering young individuals and fostering positive community change. Currently serving at YAOI New Settlement, Dollie works closely with youth/young adults, providing guidance, resources, and support to help them navigate challenges and create brighter futures.
With a passion for advocacy and a strong background in both criminal justice and social work, Dollie approaches his role with empathy, insight, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the young adults he serves. He works to build trust, deliver impactful resources/programs, and collaborate with his coworkers to address the unique needs of the young people they work with.
Outside of his professional work, Dollie is deeply passionate about contributing to social justice initiatives and community building, ensuring that every young person has access to the support they need to succeed.
Sasha Holguin
Sasha Holguin is a youth development professional and Mt. Eden native with a B.A. in Political Science and Film & Digital Storytelling from Allegheny College. Passionate about civic engagement and storytelling, and a Y.A.O.I. program alum, Sasha brings experience in education, student leadership, and community programming to their role as Office Assistant. They’re excited to give back to the neighborhood that raised them and support youth in sharing their own powerful stories.