Meet the Team

Contact Our Leadership

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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.

Chanda Robinson

Interim 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 and received certifications in urban trauma and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These certifications reflect Chanda’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges and promoting a culture of inclusivity and social justice.

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.

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.

Kim Johnson

Senior Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives

ext. 7347

Kim Johnson joined Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) in January 2024. She has spent her career in the nonprofit sector. Kim brings over 35 years of experience in fund development, youth development, capacity building, and volunteer management. Most recently, Kim served as Chief Youth Development Officer and previously as Chief Development and Marketing Officer for LifeBridge Community Services in Bridgeport. She has also worked for United Way and multiple Girl Scout Councils. All of these organizations worked to increase the capacity and resilience of both the clients and communities they served. Kim is passionate about filling the opportunity gap for youth.

In her role as Senior Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives, Kim will use her experience and skills to increase OPP’s visibility as well as financial and community resources to support and expand our mission.

Kim earned her Master of Public Administration with a nonprofit concentration from Indiana University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies – Program Management from University of Illinois. She completed her certificate in Fund Raising Management with the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Veronica Maldonado

Director of Organizational Development and Capacity

ext. 7342

Veronica Maldonado has spent over 10 years of her career in the nonprofit sector of the Greater Hartford community.

As one of the first Youth Development Specialists for Youth Service Corps, Veronica knows firsthand the value of youth development and workforce readiness. In local nonprofit settings, she has also gained extensive experience in capacity building, leadership, and training. Most recently, Veronica served as the Program Director at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

In her role as Director of Organizational Development and Capacity, Veronica will use her experience and skills to focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, staff engagement and retention, professional development, culture strengthening, onboarding, and driving positive change at OPP.

Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College. She has also earned master’s degrees in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College and Psychology from Capella University.