11/21/2025
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Nyasia Velazquez
Nominated by Luis Santiago, Director of Adult Residential Programs
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.” - Chinese Proverb
Since 2022, Nyasia Velazquez has been a unique force at the YWCA. Beloved by the children and teens she serves, Nyasia’s high-spirited personality and heart have left an indelible mark.
Currently a Direct Service Advocate for Domestic Violence Shelter Services (DVSS), Nyasia began working in the YWCA’s former Human Trafficking Prevention program, La VIDA (Value, Independence, Dignity, Autonomy) Matters.
“I worked with teenagers and their families to talk about healthy relationships, consent, sexploitation, etc.,” explained Nyasia. “It was an amazing, heartbreaking experience. Although the program is gone, the information and legacy lives on at the YWCA in other places like the Violence Prevention program, The H.E.R.E. (Healthy Education Relationship Education) Project.”
“Nyasia has taken on the challenging first shift and immediately made a noticeable impact, particularly on the children,” said Luis Santiago, Director of Adult Residential Programs. “She has a unique and natural way of connecting with them; so much so that the kids often ‘compete’ for her attention and ask for her to sit with them at lunch.”
As a Direct Service Advocate, Nyasia said her job is to make people feel welcome, safe, and comfortable when they arrive and throughout their temporary stay in DVSS. “I must demonstrate a high level of trauma-informed patience and care because I work where they live. Everyone deserves not just shelter, but somewhere that people care about them,” she said. “Of course, there are physical things I am responsible for such as room checks but ultimately, the essence of grace is my primary duty.”
Added Luis, “You’ll frequently find Nyasia reading, playing, drawing, or simply listening to the children, offering them both joy and comfort.”
A Springfield native, Nyasia is an artist by trade having studied design at Putnam High School. “I create visual abstract art that is usually monochrome with glitter markers, pens, and stickers,” she said. Nyasia shares her creativity and art with the DVSS residents by way of her everchanging nails, and facepainting for special events and holidays, such as Halloween.
College is where Nyasia discovered her passion for helping others and her desire to work in the non-profit sector. “I studied all the –isms,” she said. “Racism, sexism, etc., homophobia, the structures of capitalism and the patriarchy, and how they are all connected.” Prior to working at the YWCA, Nyasia worked for teen centers and group homes, providing her with experience working with youth. “I always aspired to work somewhere where people could come and find solutions instead of more problems, alongside people who genuinely want to help them and see change,” she said.
“Nyasia’s presence is a bright light and embodies the spirit of DVSS,” concluded Luis. “She brings warmth and positivity to everyone she encounters.”
“The YWCA mission statement caught me by surprise,” she said. Nyasia called the YWCA’s prioritization of empowering women and wanting to eliminate racism, “a breath of fresh air.” She added, “I immediately wanted to work here. When I visited the website, it was plastered with beautiful and intelligent women helping the community and receiving praise for their great work. I knew I had to be a part of that!”
“I can truly say that I feel valued while working here,” said Nyasia. There have been many times “throughout life, work or otherwise,” where Nyasia felt her voice wasn’t heard or had “fallen on deaf ears.” She concluded, “My bosses have demonstrated time and time again that my concerns are serious and should be addressed, no matter how seemingly small they may be. I am so grateful.”
