Today we’d like to introduce you to Shownda Pagan.
Hi Shownda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I reflect on my journey, I often think about where it truly began—not with a title, but with a responsibility. In April 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I stepped into the role of CEO of Belafonte TACOLCY Center during one of the most difficult periods our country had ever experienced. While every community was facing uncertainty, the challenges in Liberty City were even greater. Families were struggling with food insecurity, unemployment, housing instability, and a lack of access to critical resources.
At that moment, I knew TACOLCY had to become more than an organization—it had to once again become a place of hope, stability, and opportunity for the community it was created to serve.
Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredible Board of Directors, dedicated staff, community partners, funders, volunteers, advocates, and residents to help restore that vision. Together, we rebuilt programs, expanded services, strengthened partnerships, secured millions of dollars in funding, and created opportunities that empower children, families, and the entire community.
Today, TACOLCY is once again a place where people know they are welcome, supported, and valued—regardless of the challenges they face. That transformation has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and it continues to fuel my passion for building stronger communities and creating pathways to success for others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many organizations, we had to navigate the immediate challenges of COVID-19, but for us, the obstacles went far beyond the pandemic itself. Our community needed more than emergency relief—they needed quality after-school programming, care coordination, food assistance, family support services, workforce opportunities, and a trusted organization they could turn to during one of the most uncertain times in recent history.
Meeting those needs with limited funding, limited staffing, and constantly changing circumstances required creativity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. We had to make difficult decisions, build new partnerships, and find innovative ways to ensure our doors—and our services—remained open.
Six years later, the challenges have evolved. Today’s nonprofit sector is navigating a different kind of crisis, shaped by economic uncertainty, rising community needs, shifting funding priorities, and increasing demand for services. Organizations like ours must continue to adapt while remaining true to our mission.
I’ve learned that leadership is not about avoiding challenges—it’s about responding to them with purpose. No matter what obstacles arise, our commitment remains the same: to serve our community, meet people where they are, and continue creating opportunities that help children and families thrive.
We’ve been impressed with Belafonte TACOLCY Center, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Belafonte TACOLCY Center has been serving the Liberty City community for nearly six decades, and today we continue that legacy by helping children, youth, and families thrive. While many people know us for our high-quality after-school and summer programs, our work extends far beyond youth development.
We provide a comprehensive network of services designed to strengthen the entire family. From academic enrichment, workforce development, sports, and technology programs to parenting education, care coordination, food assistance, and family support services, our goal is to remove barriers and create pathways to long-term success. We believe that when families have access to the right resources, entire communities become stronger.
What sets TACOLCY apart is our commitment to meeting people where they are. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We listen, build meaningful relationships, and connect families with the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Our approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to succeed.
The brand we are most proud of is one built on trust. For generations, families have looked to TACOLCY as a safe place—a place where children can learn, grow, and discover their potential, and where parents can find guidance, resources, and hope. That trust has allowed us to build lasting partnerships and expand our impact throughout Liberty City and beyond.
I want readers to know that TACOLCY is more than a nonprofit—we are a community anchor. Every program we develop, every partnership we build, and every service we provide is driven by one purpose: creating opportunities that empower people, strengthen families, and transform communities for generations to come.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Liberty City is its resilience. This is a community built on strength, culture, and an unwavering spirit. Despite the challenges residents have faced over the years, the people here continue to support one another, invest in their neighborhoods, and work toward a brighter future. There is a deep sense of pride and determination that makes Liberty City unlike anywhere else.
What concerns me most is the impact of ongoing gentrification. As neighborhoods evolve and investment increases, it is important that the families who have built this community are not left behind. Progress should create opportunities for existing residents—not displace them. My hope is that revitalization can happen in a way that preserves Liberty City’s rich history, culture, and legacy while ensuring that longtime residents can continue to live, work, and thrive here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tacolcy.org
