Greg Kovacs - Executive Director
Email: gregk@c5yf.org
Executive Director Born in Los Angeles, California, Greg has led the C5 Youth foundation of Southern California since it’s inception in 1999, when it was known as the Paintrock Canyon Program. He earned his B.A. degree in social science and economics from the University of California, Irvine as well as an MBA from the University of Southern California. Greg has spent over 25 years working in the camping and youth development programs industry, obtaining valuable experience in experiential education, non-profit organization and business development, association and foundation management, and marketing and finance. Greg currently serves on the board of Directors for the American Camp Association, Southern California Section.
In his early years, Greg’s summer camp and youth work experience led him to a Directors position at an educational field trip and Leadership development firm where he worked closely with junior high and high school students. This is where Greg began to develop his educational philosophy, placing emphasis on long-term relationships, year-round support, and experiential education as a core to successful youth development.
In 1995, upon completion of his MBA, Greg left the youth development field to pursue what he envisioned as a more traditional business career path. Greg honed his business skills while managing business operations for an international surgical association, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Serving as the association’s Director of Marketing, Greg helped grow membership by over 20% and the association’s business revenue through medical manufacturer participation by 25%. In addition, it was in that capacity that he was introduced to the not-for-profit world, while developing the foundation arm of the medical association. However, after four years of work in the medical association industry, Greg realized that his true passion lay where he started his career, back working with youth.
What followed was an opportunity of a lifetime. After meeting Paintrock founder and visionary John Alm in 1998, Greg took the position as founding Executive Director and began initial design and development of a unique youth development program that has now helped over 1000 LA inner-city youth achieve great success and the opportunity for higher education. As a result of this success, Greg was appointed VP of Operations for the Camp Coca-Cola Foundation in 2004, playing an integral role in replicating what was created in Los Angeles. By 2008 Greg helped grow the program, now known as the C5 Youth Foundation, serving five cities, and delivering leadership development programs to thousands of youth nationwide. Under his guidance, the program has seen some impressive results; with vitually 100% of the program participants graduating high school and over 95% matriculating on to college.
Stephanie Rios – Summer Programs Director
Email: stephanier@c5yf.org
Stephanie Samantha Rios is the eldest of five children and became the first in her family to graduate from high school. Continuing her education at Northridge, Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Chicano Studies.
In 2000, Stephanie was selected from a group of over 5000 students to participate in a five-year program called the Paintrock Canyon Program now known as C5. In 2004, not only did she graduate from high school, but also she was amongst the first to graduate from what is now called the C5LA program.
That summer she was given the opportunity to return to camp as a Counselor in Training (CIT). The following summer she returned as a counselor, a position she held for three years. Having gained the required knowledge and skills, she earned a position as a Program Director with C5LA.
In her spare time Stephanie likes to spend time with her family. Her favorite things to do are eat, watch movies and hang out with friends. She stays in shape by playing soccer and basketball.
Patricia Escobedo – Director, Community Programs & Outreach
Email: pattye@c5yf.org
Patricia joined C5 Los Angeles in January 2009 as the Academic Resource Director, a position focused on college preparation and academic outreach. As a first-generation college graduate, Patricia is deeply committed to supporting aspiring C5LA college students on their journey to higher education and exploring meaningful career choices.
Originally from Palmdale, California, Patricia’s relationship with C5LA began in 2005 during her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley when she had the opportunity to serve as cabin counselor at Camp Paintrock in Wyoming. Patricia returned to camp in 2007 as a Rotating Counselor & Assistant Team Leader and again as a Team Leader in 2008. Patricia’s experiences with the youth and staff at summer camp inspired her to earn a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Community Psychology and a minor in Environmental Science, Policy and Management.
While attending UC Berkeley, Patricia was involved in community outreach projects and also served as a research assistant in several psychological studies. This research included a doctoral dissertation in which she interviewed parents and students from underserved communities in Oakland and Berkeley to learn what families needed to increase student academic achievement. The study included both student and parental involvement at Cal Prep, a free college preparatory academy for underserved youth in risk-filled environments. She was also a member of student organizations on campus assisting local high school students with CSU and UC college applications through workshops and one-on-one sessions.
LaKisha Adams – Academic Resource Director
Email: Kishaa@c5yf.org
(Bio & Pic Coming Soon!)
Cindy Borland - Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Cindy Borland was born in Burbank, California. She has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley for the past 25 years. Throughout the years, there have been many changes to the community. In the Stevenson Ranch area, she has worked closely as a volunteer with the community’s master developer Lennar Homes, The Stevenson Ranch Town Council, The Stevenson Ranch Civic Association, The Stevenson Ranch Education Foundation, The Santa Clarita Valley Council PTA, The Santa Clarita Young Artist Symphony, The Newhall School District and The William S. Hart High School District. She has been actively involved in many community organizations and has planned and supported many school and community events.
Currently, Cindy is working with the C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California as the Executive Administrative Assistant. “Working with such an amazing organization that supports our youth is extremely rewarding. It has created an opportunity for me to get back to doing what I love most and that is…..working to support and enhance the lives of our youth.” During her pastime she likes to golf, take long walks along the beach, listen to music, wine taste and travel. She is proud to tell you her daughter Taylor was once a contestant on American Idol and actually made it to the “Hollywood rounds” and her son Blake is a talented athlete who was a three-year starter for his high school football team.