OUR YES STAFF
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.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Thomas Luke Guest
Co-Founder and Board Chair
I consider myself a social entrepreneur, which means I believe organizations can and should help under-resourced populations in our world. I work full time with a mission driven organization named Matchwell, helping hospitals find qualified clinicians. Within YES, I consider myself a loud speaker for Patrick and Brandon’s creativity. My role is to oversee our fundraising strategy, donor development and operational development. If I can help our community of supporters understand the amazing work that my partners are doing in Pittsfield every day, I consider my goals accomplished.
Steven-Louis Dreyfus
Steven-Louis Dreyfus is an M&A analyst at Centerview Partners in New York. Prior to working at Centerview, Steven-Louis held positions in quantitative analytics and software engineering at hedge funds in New York and Boston. As an avid hiker and climber, Steven-Louis feels robustly connected to the Berkshires and is proud to support YES in its mission to mentor future leaders in the Berkshire community. When not climbing, he enjoys skiing, composing music, woodworking and backgammon. Born and raised in Manhattan, Steven-Louis holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Williams College.
Linda Dulye
Linda Dulye is founder and president of Dulye & Co. Since 1998, Dulye & Co. has partnered with organizations to bring out the best in their people through communication, collaboration and change practices that build lasting engagement. Prior to starting her company, Linda held leadership positions in corporate communications and change management for General Electric, Duracell, Allied Signal, and Public Service Electric and Gas. Linda has pursued her passion of bringing out the best in young professionals by establishing in 2008 the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE). Linda is very active in the Berkshire (MA) community, and was recently selected to the elite 2019 Berkshire 25 for her service and impact. She earned degrees from Syracuse University (B.A.) and Drew University (M.A.).
Chris Flores
Chris Flores has over 10 years of sales and corporate experience with fast growing companies. He held various positions shepherding early-stage opportunities, developing new sales talent, optimizing sales infrastructure, and building world class inside sales teams. Currently, he is the Founder & CEO of a consulting agency named C-Flo Consulting, where they help fast growing B2B tech startups build efficient sales organizations. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Chris holds a B.A. in Economics from Boston College.
Sharon Harris
Sharon Harris is an Educational Consultant and Certified Life & Career Coach, assisting students and families as they navigate and identify educational and career options. In the last 15 years she has developed an extensive proficiency with dual specialties has enabled her to design and develop a uniquely effective approach to the coaching process. Clients of all ages benefit as Sharon encourages them to consider and explore “what’s next” from a more comprehensive, thought-provoking perspective.