Patty Barahona grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where their family still resides today. As the child of immigrants from El Salvador, Patty’s upbringing was deeply influenced by their parents’ resilience and determination, shaping their commitment to equity and community advocacy. Patty attended Rutgers University, Douglass College, where they received their Bachelor’s degree with a focus on Women’s & Gender Studies. They then pursued a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT.
Patty’s nonprofit leadership journey began as Public Education Coordinator at the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA), supporting survivors of sexual assault and educating those who partner with them statewide. During their time at NJCASA, they developed curriculum focused on primary prevention and bystander interventions for sexual violence in LGBTQ and Latino communities. Patty trained professionals, advocates, community groups, college students, and high school students across New Jersey and served on several statewide committees, including the Governor’s Council Against Sexual Violence, Education and Outreach Networking Group, and the Women of Color Caucus (WOCC).
Patty later joined Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice in Oakland (now known as Forward Together), where they worked with SAFIRE, a young women’s leadership development program. There, they developed a political education curriculum focused on young mothers and the criminal justice system, supported a story collection project that shaped Honoring Young Mama’s Day, and contributed to the larger Strong Families Network by fostering relationships with allied youth organizations.
In 2011, Patty began working at yli as a Program Coordinator in Marin County, focusing on school health, safety, and equity for LGBTQ youth while exploring the intersections of interfaith understanding, sexuality, and youth development in partnership with the Spectrum LGBT Center of the North Bay. By July 2013, Patty assumed a leadership role as the Senior Director of San Francisco Community-Based Programs. In 2016, they became the Chief People Officer, overseeing yli’s programmatic vision and delivery across California and leading the opening of three new yli offices. Patty was named CEO in June 2020, now overseeing a staff of over 65 and an annual budget of $10 million.
Patty is deeply committed to working with youth to create safer and healthier communities. Beyond yli, Patty serves as a Governor-Appointed Trustee on the California State Bar Board of Trustees, representing Stanislaus County and the Central Valley. They are also a member of the Board of Directors for LYRIC, a San Francisco-based LGBTQQ+ Center dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth through advocacy, education, and community-building.
Patty lives with their partner, Allison, an English teacher at Weston Ranch High School, their son, Myles, a 5th grader and basketball enthusiast, and their two dogs, Jake and Ash.