Meet Our New CEO

Gisselle Acevedo became president/CEO of Para Los Niños on June 19, 2006. She brings a breadth of experience as a teacher, lawyer and corporate executive… and an intense commitment to children.

What makes you well-suited to lead Para Los Niños?
I am deeply passionate about children, their right to an education and their right to live out of poverty. I grew up not far from the world in which most of our children live. At this point in my life, I had a choice about what to do next, and I made a conscious decision to join Para Los Niños. Para Los Niños’ core values spoke to me. I know I can make a difference.

What is your motto?
It’s a quote from Einstein: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, while imagination embraces the entire world.”

Which historical figure do you admire most?
Although not a historical figure yet, the answer is my mother. At the age of 74, she decided to finish her high school education. She rides the bus to Glendale High School, where she takes courses daily. She calls my daughter to help her get through the nuances of algebra or geography. She came to this country with only a dream. I see her success daily in the face of my sister, her children and my daughter.

Which living person do you most admire?
Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. She is a passionate advocate for disadvantaged Americans, particularly children.

What is the greatest challenge faced by children and families in L.A. County?
Families not understanding the value and importance of an education for their children. Education provides hope and allows our children to create a greater vision for their lives.

How do you see Para Los Niños addressing that challenge?
Para Los Niños is addressing the root causes of poverty, violence and homelessness. Every program we have helps children succeed. Education is the most important element for reducing poverty in our children’s lives, and Para Los Niños is a leader in providing high-quality educational services for children.

Why did the job at Para Los Niños interest you?
The core values spoke to me and I wanted to be part of an agency whose first value is that children come first. As I looked at the mission statement, I knew that I had already spent the majority of my life striving towards this mission—championing for the rights of the less privileged. This opportunity would allow me to use the sum of my experiences to help Para Los Niños be the leading provider of high quality services for children.

What three things would you like to accomplish at Para Los Niños?
After months of serving as the president of Para Los Niños, I am convinced that we must now focus on three specific areas. First, we must look inward to ensure operational excellence. Secondly, we must develop our leadership and assess whether we have the right people in the right positions at all levels, assess how we continue to develop our talent, decide how we engage our employees so that we are retaining the right talent and reduce churn? Finally, we must grow our financial resources to ensure that we are prepared to meet the future needs of our children and families. With the right financial resources we can execute our vision more extensively. It is time to seriously consider a for-profit venture and seriously assess non-traditional strategies.

Which book has influence you life?
In college I read Pedagogy of the Oppressed. In short, it dictated that the once oppressed became the oppressors. I have fought against this all my life and on a daily basis, I strive never to be an oppressor. I look to what inspires people, what motivates them? How can I help them?

What achievements are you proudest of?
My education, finding my way out of poverty and serving as president of Para Los Niños.