About Us

Our Executive Director, Siria Rivera comes to Providence Center with over 13 years of community-based service delivery and management experience working with diverse populations, both at a regional and national level. As a first-generation Latina raised in a single parent household who struggled with mainstream schooling, she knows firsthand the obstacles many young people and families face in the city of Philadelphia. Siria’s passion for youth development, multi-generational services and advocacy on behalf of families in low-income communities is derived from her personal experiences and passion for giving back. As a former highschool dropout, she understands the importance of alternative routes and the power of enabling youth to see themselves beyond their current circumstances. Siria obtained a Masters in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University and also studied Bilingual and Bicultural Studies at LaSalle University. Her role as Executive Director at Providence Center is much more than a job, it has proven to be a calling or a ‘coming home’ as Providence Center is located just blocks away from where Siria was born. Her work with Providence Center has allowed her to come full circle, giving back to the community that symbolizes the start of her journey.

Jasmine Waland is a Jesuit Volunteer Corps Youth Organizer at Providence Center. She grew up in San Francisco, California, and graduated from Seattle University where she studied Education, Sociology, and Psychology. During undergrad, Jasmine taught preschool, elementary, middle, and high school, in both private and public spheres. After she graduated, she taught 1st-12th graders Spoken English in Kanchipuram, India. She works alongside youth, supporting and empowering them to create and build their vision of the future.

Peg has volunteered with Providence Center for more than a decade, and she serves as our bookkeeper and helps in the office.