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.

Charito supports the residents of the Fairhill community in her role as Providence Center’s Community Organizer. She also facilitates our teen service and advocacy program, ¡YÁ!. Charito passionately supports youth and adults as they build on the strengths in their community. She leads the ¡YÁ! team as they advocate for better access to healthy, high-quality food, clean and beautiful community gardens and parks, and social justice in Fairhill and throughout the city.