Elisa Istueta ’89

For more than 20 years, Elisa has successfully managed and developed non-profit organizations in New York City, with an emphasis on youth programming and education for vulnerable communities. She joined Directions for Our Youth in 2019 as the organization’s executive director and currently oversees all strategic and programmatic initiatives for the organization, as well as the execution of DFOY’s mission. Prior to joining DFOY, she previously served as Executive Director for Chances for Children – NY and Storefront Academy. Elisa strengthened organizational capacity and led the development of new programs, expanding each organization’s impact. She spent 15 years working with direct service organizations in the Bronx, including Department Director of Children and Youth Programs at Bronx Works.

Elisa also serves on the board of Yspaniola, an education non-profit organization based in Batey Libertad, Dominican Republic. She received her B.A. from Wesleyan University and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University Teachers College. Elisa has been a New York City resident for many years and lives there with her three children.