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Empowering Youth To Succeed in education, employment, and life

START YOUR JOURNEY HERE

The OPP path to success is through Personal Development, Academic Achievement, and Workforce Readiness.

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Youth are paired with a Youth Development Specialist (YDS). Together, they identify their goals and create an individualized success plan.

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Academic Achievement

Offering students support in their educational journey through student-centered, project-based learning and post-secondary opportunities. 

personal-development

Workforce Readiness

Youth learn how to get and keep a job through service-learning projects, internships, and job placement.

SUPPORT OPP

Help us continue our mission of empowering youth to succeed

OPP serves over 1,000 young people in the Greater Hartford, CT area giving them the opportunity to discover the great futures they deserve!

Make a life changing gift today!

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Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot at OPP. I learned the value of time and how to be punctual. I’ve learned a lot about myself and that I’m a hands on learner. Doing lawn care and snow removal with the Youth Service Corps, I learned how to use a snow blower and how to operate different equipment. Now, because I learned that skill, I help out at home. It’s given me confidence. I know that I am reliable and hardworking. I take pride in my job and honestly, it’s fun. I love working with OPP. I tell all of my friends about OPP. It’s the best place to be!

Najay

OPP ON INSTAGRAM

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Jul 6

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Progress happens when leaders believe in the potential of young people. This legislative session, we were encouraged by the commitment of lawmakers who kept youth opportunity, workforce development, and community impact at the center of important conversations. Thank you for your partnership, your advocacy, and your continued investment in programs that empower young people to grow into confident leaders, engaged citizens, and skilled professionals. Together, we are creating lasting change and building stronger communities, one young person at a time. #OPPCT #OpportunityYouth #YouthDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #InvestInYouth

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Jul 3

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Happy Independence Day! Today we celebrate our Nation's History and the freedoms that continue to shape our communities. Our Piece of the Pie is closed today in observance of the holiday. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 4th of July! #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #CommunityImpact #OPP

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Jun 30

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What does self-care look like to you? For Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we checked in with some of our male staff members to hear how they prioritize their mental well-being. From staying active to shopping, their responses are a reminder that small, intentional acts of self-care can make a big difference. This month and every month, let’s encourage open conversations about mental health and remind one another that asking for support is a sign of strength. 💙 #MensMentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #YouAreNotAlone

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Jun 23

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10 years ago, this was just an idea. An idea that young people in Hartford deserved more: More opportunity, more stability, more pathways forward. What started as a response to a real community need has grown into something much bigger: A space where young people show up, build skills, earn, lead, and shape their futures. But this anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s a turning point. Because today, HYSC isn’t just preparing young people for what’s next. They’re already contributing, leading, and strengthening their communities right now. This is who we are. And this is why it matters. #HYSC10 #TurningPoint #HartfordYouth #PathwaysToOpportunity

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Jun 21

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Happy Father’s Day from our OPP family to yours! 🫂🧡

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Jun 19

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Want to understand what 10 years of investment in young people makes possible? Start with Elijah. Elijah shows us what becomes possible when young people are given real opportunity and support over time. Ten years ago, HYSC started with a belief that when young people are given consistency, responsibility, and access to meaningful work, they can change the direction of their lives and contribute to the communities around them. Today, that belief is something we can see in real ways. When Elijah first connected with OPP, he was navigating barriers of housing instability and uncertainty about what came next. Through HYSC, he didn’t just gain experience, he became part of a community that helped him recognize his existing potential, build confidence, and begin to use his voice. Elijah went from Youth Ambassador to Co-Chair of our first Youth Leadership Council, where he used his leadership to shape conversations about what young people need and what their future can look like. Today, Elijah’s impact continues beyond HYSC as a Community Outreach Intern at the Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association, where he is actively contributing to his community using the skills, relationships, and leadership he deepened along the way. His story reflects something bigger… Over time, what was already there begins to show up more clearly as leadership, contribution, and a lasting presence in the community. This is what 10 years of the work has made possible, and it is what continues to grow forward. ⭐

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Jun 18

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There's still time to make your gift go further!🏌️⛳️Birdies for Charity ends June 28th, don't miss the opportunity to increase your impact! Through Birdies for Charity, every donation made to OPP receives an additional 15% bonus, helping us continue empowering youth with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. Make your gift go further and support OPP today! #BirdiesForCharity #CommunityImpact #YouthDevelopment

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Name

Kimberly williams-rivera

Senior Director of Management Information Systems & Performance

ext. 7348

Kimberly Williams-Rivera is a quality assurance professional with over 30 years of experience working for nonprofits in the Greater Hartford area. She is passionate about helping organizations build strong data infrastructures and develop high performance qualities to improve the impact of their work. Kimberly joined OPP 18 years ago as their Director of Quality Assurance and was responsible for implementing its centralized case management system, which today has grown into a data architecture housing many other systems with interoperability.  

Currently in the role of Senior Director, Management Information Systems and Org Performance she supervises a Data Analyst, Performance Management Specialist, and oversees the IT vendor services and management of all external evaluation processes. 

A sociologist at heart, Kimberly has a bachelor’s degree from University of Connecticut and has continued her personal development in research, evaluation, theory, and technology through trainings at Brandeis University. She also attained a gold level System Administration Certificate with Social Solutions, ETO where she was the recipient of their UNITE Award in 2016. Kimberly has served as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet on Nonprofit Health and Human Services – Data/Technology Subcommittee under Dannel Molloy’s administration in the State of Connecticut. 

Girard Dawes

Senior Director of Youth Development

ext. 7359

A life-long resident of Hartford, Girard has committed over 20 years of his career to supporting youth through his work at Our Piece of the Pie (OPP).

Girard started his social services career at Head Start, where he discovered his passion for assisting youth to achieve their goals. In 2000, he joined OPP as a Youth Development Specialist. Since then, Girard has been a guiding force for staff and youth as he has served in numerous leadership roles. He has been key to expanding OPP’s reach in the community. As the Senior Director of Youth Engagement, Girard directs our youth recruitment efforts and oversees our alternative high school program, OPPortunity Academy.

Girard’s commitment to serving the Hartford community is an inspiration to the staff and youth he mentors. He earned a degree in criminal justice from Manchester Community College and a degree in human services from Springfield College.

Brittany Petrucci

Senior Director of Development 

ext. 7347

Brittany Petrucci joined Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) as Director of Development in March 2026. She is a nonprofit leader with a strong track record in fundraising, strategic growth, and building programs that expand access to opportunity for young people and communities.

Brittany brings extensive experience leading multi-department initiatives, managing complex budgets, and strengthening organizational infrastructure to drive measurable impact. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of youth development, community safety, and systems change, supporting individuals and families navigating barriers related to violence, instability, and inequity. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed, equity-centered practices and informed by research on long-term outcomes related to youth adversity.

In her role at OPP, Brittany leads the organization’s development strategy, advancing efforts to increase philanthropic support, deepen donor and community engagement, and elevate OPP’s visibility. She is passionate about building meaningful partnerships that mobilize resources, close opportunity gaps, and ensure young people have the support and pathways needed to thrive.

Brittany earned her Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Connecticut State University and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from the University of New Haven, along with a minor in Psychology and a Certificate in Victim Services Administration.

Patricia Moro

Chief Financial Officer
ext. 7320

Patricia Moro is the Chief Financial Officer of Our Piece of the Pie®, Inc. (OPP).  Before joining the team at OPP in May of 2021, Pat was the VP of Finance for Fair Haven Community Health Clinic (a federally qualified health center) in New Haven, CT.  She began at Fair Haven after serving as the CFO of Community Health Center of CT, the primary care organization for the CT federally qualified health centers located in Wethersfield, CT.  For many years prior, Pat was the president and CEO of various CT long term care nursing homes.

As the Chief Financial Officer of OPP, her responsibilities include oversight for the fiscal aspects of the organization and day to day management and direct supervision of fiscal department.  Pat brings decades of fiscal and management experience to OPP and is dedicated to the support the advancement of our youth.

Pat holds an Associates of Science in Business Administration from Middlesex Community College as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Albertus Magnus College.

Chanda Robinson

Chief Operating Officer

ext. 7325

Hailing from Hartford, Chanda has dedicated over 20 years of her career to serving her community through her work at Our Piece of the Pie (OPP). Starting as a workforce development specialist, Chanda’s commitment and drive propelled her into increasingly progressive roles within OPP. Throughout her tenure, she has gained invaluable expertise in program operations, specifically in youth and workforce development. With her extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, Chanda has played a pivotal role in creating and implementing effective programs that support the growth and development of youth and staff alike.
Chanda’s dedication to organizational capacity building has been instrumental in propelling OPP’s success. Her strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and strong leadership skills have contributed to fostering a dynamic and impactful work environment. Learning and personal development is a priority for Chanda, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in human services.

Hector Rivera

President & Chief Executive Officer
ext. 7343

Hector has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and as a life resident of the Hartford community provides a wealth of experience including Youth Development, Workforce Readiness, Educational Excellence, leadership, training, and organizational development. Hector has been with Our Piece of the Pie® (OPP) for over 20 years. Hector was initially hired as a Youth Development Specialist (case manager) but his drive and passion quickly propelled him into multiple leadership roles. Professionally, Hector proves time and again his flexibility in responding to changing conditions wearing many hats in the efforts to meet and exceed the needs of young people. 

He has earned a bachelor degree in Human Services from Springfield College and Master degrees in both Management and Business Administration both from Albertus Magnus College. Hector has spent his entire professional life as an advocate for young people. Hector’s personal and professional goals are all based on helping others (particularly young adults) achieve their dreams and aspirations in order to become successful and contributing citizens.