826NYC is thrilled to announce Rebecca Darugar as our new Executive Director. Rebecca assumed their role on February 1, 2024, succeeding former Executive Director Joshua Mandelbaum who stepped down in October 2023 after ten years of dedicated service to the organization.

Rebecca is a nonprofit leader and educator, with an extensive career in New York City-based nonprofits and a 10-year history with 826NYC. Rebecca joined the 826NYC team in 2013 as its Programs & Volunteer Coordinator, later becoming the Director of Education. Rebecca recently served as the Director of Learning & Development with The Opportunity Network, as well as the Director of Community Engagement with GO Project. Since joining the 826NYC team 10 years ago, Rebecca has remained a supporter of the organization and its stakeholders.

Rebecca has a background in education and youth development, working both in the classroom and in out-of-school-time programming. They also have experience leading organizational change through strategic planning and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Scripps College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California.

826NYC is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and as we prepare to commemorate this landmark achievement and launch our next 20 years, we are proud to have Rebecca in the Executive Director role.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Rebecca and supporting 826NYC in its next chapter.