Our Executive Director

Meet Gaby Millán

The embodiment of Teens Rise Foundation’s (TRF) commitment to community representation is seen in the personal journey of its Executive Director, Gaby Millán. 

As a native of the South Bay communities, Ms. Millán's upbringing in a low-income household exposed her to housing and food insecurity, fostering a deep understanding of survival-mode challenges. 

Her unique experiences, including being the youngest of eight, raised by a single mother, and a first-generation college student, drive her passion to bring grassroots leadership and access to resources to South Bay youth. Ms. Millán's educational achievements, holding a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Chicano Studies and Spanish, highlight her commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty.

A member of the LGBTQ community and a fluent Spanish speaker, she recognizes the importance of community and resources in her own success and has dedicated 15 years of her career to addressing inequalities. Her previous role as the Executive Director of the Border View Family YMCA demonstrated her ability to set impactful strategies and develop quality programs that build communities.

TRF, under Ms. Millán's leadership, understands that providing opportunities goes beyond individual students; it positively impacts entire families and communities. By planning academic support, after school youth tennis programs, scholarships, post-secondary exposure, family workshops, mentorship, and mental wellness workshops, Ms. Millan is motivated to lift barriers for South Bay youth, serving as a reminder that a supportive community is present for them. 

The commitment to genuine representation in leadership positions and the personal connection of the TRF Executive Director to the community further strengthens the foundation's ability to create meaningful and impactful change.