STATETEN ISLAND New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) CEO Candace Gonzalez has devoted almost her whole life to serving others.
Gonzalez was born in Brooklyn, relocated to Staten Island in 1979, and started her career in 1985 as an executive assistant for a nonprofit organization in the area. Gonzalez helped the Port Richmond community by promoting economic growth and affordable housing during her tenure at Northfield Community Local growth Corporation (LDC).
Gonzalez began volunteering with the New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering personal development and community building through the promotion of conflict resolution, social-emotional learning, and youth development, when he was employed at Northfield Community LDC.
As an alternative to criminal litigation, Staten Island’s first Community Dispute Resolution Center (CRDC), where mediators assist in resolving conflicts, was established in 1982 thanks to NYCID. Gonzalez initially joined NYCID as a CRDC mediator, assisting in the resolution of small claims and financial problems, housing concerns, child custody, custody conflicts, and school-based mediation services.
“I felt the need to do more with my life,” Gonzalez explains. I went to the training after learning about mediation because I thought, “Hey, that’s something I can wrap my head around.” I ended up falling deeply in love with mediation. It made me really happy.
Gonzalez leaped at the chance to further her involvement with NYCID when she was offered an executive assistant position shortly after she started working there. Gonzalez collaborated closely with Dominick J. Brancato, the initial CEO of NYCID, which was a young charity with fewer than ten staff members at the time, to help expand the agency’s expanding offerings.
Motivated by her commitment to nonprofit work, Gonzalez went back to school and enrolled at the Metropolitan College of New York while having a family and working full-time at NYCID. Gonzalez earned a bachelor’s degree in human services in 2000 as valedictorian, and then promptly pursued a master degree. Gonzalez earned a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs three years later.
NYCID swiftly promoted Gonzalez to director of administrative services in 2000 and then director of dispute resolution services in 2002 after recognizing her dedication to the organization and her studies. Gonzalez acquired important programmatic and administrative skills in both positions, obtained funds for, created, and carried out new programs, and served as a link between public servants, local and state agencies, and private groups.
Gonzalez assumed the position of senior director of programs in 2004, where he was in charge of overseeing NYCID’s six program team leaders individually and managing the agency’s programs. Gonzalez joined Brancato as NYCID’s associate executive director a year later, where they managed, inspired, and expanded the rapidly expanding organization.
“We work with at-risk youth a lot; that’s usually our sweet spot because we can relate to the kids and help those who need it the most,” Gonzalez said. We hope that the seeds we sow for them will sprout, but we never know what type of impact we might have. Making long-lasting changes in the community is my daily mission as the organization’s leader.
NYCID started working directly in schools throughout Staten Island under Gonzalez and Brancato’s leadership, providing educational support, job placement, workforce training, and interpersonal skills in addition to mediation services. Over 5,200 children aged 4 to 24 engage in NYCID programs annually, leading to 1,000 internships and career placements and 2,000 diplomas acquired.
We started out extremely little and developed into a medium-sized company, recalls Gonzalez. We weave that thread through all of our programs by transforming our mediation and conflict resolution work into successful communication. Every member of our staff has received training in good communication, which we constantly emphasize when dealing with the children.
Gonzalez was named chief executive officer in 2018 after nearly 15 years as executive director and associate executive director, where he helped secure more than $5 million in grant financing. After collaborating with Gonzalez since 1996 to establish NYCID into what it is now, Brancato was overjoyed to give it over to her when he retired. As CEO, Gonzalez is responsible for managing a $17.5 million budget, overseeing daily operations, and managing 90 full-time and 300 part-time staff, including interns that NYCID hires.
Under Gonzalez, who puts her all into her work, NYCID has expanded significantly. Currently, the organization’s several life-changing programs serve almost 10,500 New Yorkers annually. Despite having its headquarters on Staten Island, NYCID maintains a strong presence across the city by collaborating with citizens of the other boroughs. In addition to the CDRC and its school-based initiatives, NYCID provides professional development training, employment development, dropout prevention services, a number of transfer high schools and community schools, and after-school enrichment programs.
Through constructive problem-solving, effective communication, and intercultural understanding, NYCID has grown to become a pillar of Staten Island, mentoring countless people and enhancing relationships. The influence of NYCID extends well beyond the borough, and it is a great model for other organizations to follow.
Gonzalez will receive a Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award in the Not-for-Profit Businessperson category in recognition of her achievements.
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance offer the prizes in remembrance of Louis R. Miller, a West Brighton citizen and businessman who was also a community leader. Following Brancato, who was recognized by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce in 2012, Gonzalez is the second NYCID employee to earn the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award.
Through her efforts over the past 28 years, Gonzalez has demonstrated her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Staten Islanders and leaving a lasting impression on the borough in which she has lived. Gonzalez is on the Board of Directors of Nonprofit Staten Island and the Rolling Hills Estates, is a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and contributes through NYCID. Gonzalez is also a New York State Unified Court System Certified Mediator and has earned a credential from the Staten Island Leadership Institute.
Our work is tremendously fulfilling. According to Gonzalez, “improving lives is our tagline, but in our world, we don’t always see that return right away.” However, it’s a unique sensation when you witness it and have the opportunity to contribute to someone’s life transformation. It’s the best present.
Questionnaire
Title and current position: NYCID Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Arden Heights is home.
Previous jobs and titles: Various roles at NYCID, executive assistant for Northfield Community LDC.
Involvement in the community: Currently serves as a board member of Nonprofit Staten Island, chairs the Nonprofit Staten Island Audit Committee, is a secretary on the boards of Northfield Community LDC and Rolling Hills Estate, and has previously served as secretary and village park.
Among my life objectives are: More travel
The highlight of my work:Working with dedicated employees that take pleasure in their work is the best aspect of my profession.
One of the most challenging aspects of my work is witnessing successful programs lose funding and being unable to pay employees a fair wage.
My life philosophy is that sometimes we don’t understand why something happens, but in the end, we realize that it was the proper thing to do.
My work at NYCID and my family are what I am most proud of.
Nobody knows this about me, but in sixth grade, I played the violin at the World’s Fair.
My capacity to find comedy in any situation is my favorite thing about myself.
Hobbies and personal interests: crosswords (word games) and reading.
I chuckle at myself.
I am really good at:In the face of hard times I have been able to stay steadfast and keep people calm all while keeping the mission in the forefront.
I respect: Honest people.
I want you to be aware of a few key facts about me:I like to have fun. I got my masters in public administration from Columbia University while being a full-time mom and working full time at NYCID.
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