Brandon Dory

Co-Founder & Director of Community Programming and Outreach

I grew up in Troy, NY - a small city in NY's Capital Region. A product of the Region 1 US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Team, I traveled around the country and world playing elite soccer while in high school. I also enjoyed playing trumpet in the school jazz band and orchestra, and participated in local solo competitions. Even when times were tough, my parents invested all of their extra time and money in these activities. Through my experiences, I began building relationships with coaches and teachers, who proved to be incredible mentors that I still connect with to this day. With the help of my mentors, parents, and soccer ability, I was admitted to Williams College where I met my now fellow co-founders of YES.

Before taking the leap full-time into YES, I was Project Manager for Columbia Economic Development Corporation, an economic development organization (EDO) in Columbia County, NY. There I learned skills related to running the backend of a small nonprofit organization including grant writing, marketing, bookkeeping, event planning, compliance, etc.

I run YES's community programming which includes college prep/athletic recruiting workshops, YouTube content, speaking appearances, and any other community engagement efforts. I am also responsible for making sure the 'behind the scenes' of YES are running smoothly. Along with Patrick, I also plan, organize and run the mentorship component of YES, which includes facilitating scholar sessions with the YES Volunteers.

Patrick Gordon

Co-Founder & Executive Director

I was born in Woburn, MA to parents from Guyana . My parents believe a rounded education consists of academics, athletics and the arts. School was the top priority, I played multiple sports, wrote poetry and studied the piano. I credit my parents for allowing me to develop my passion for soccer independently, and my family for supporting me as I attempted to navigate the college recruiting process. I had an exceptional high school experience cultivated by the Brooks School, a place where my mentors inspired me not to settle for being a great individual but to aspire to be an engaged citizen.

A few years later I followed my older brother Peter to Williams, where a knee injury forced me to miss my junior season and contemplate life ahead. Networking and coaching during my semester off led me to mentors who believed I could make a difference helping soccer players from under-resourced backgrounds; I dove in head first. I received registrar approval for two self-designed courses for credit, focusing on the lack of diversity in higher education athletics. I also interned with a youth sport nonprofit called Level Ground MMA through a program run by The Forest Foundation. Before we started YES, I worked for Black Rock FC, coaching and implementing community programs, one of which introduced us to Ronny, our first YES scholar. In addition to daily mentorship and program management, I am responsible for strategic planning and organization, branding and marketing as well as culture development.