Founder & CEO

Patrick started the organization with a vision to make a meaningful impact on youth development and food insecurity in NYC, while also inspiring younger people to engage in community-based work. Patrick combines his organizational skills with a passion for social good, helping to create lasting, joyful moments for the community.

VP of Programming + Development Strategy

As a founding member, Jalen brings a diverse background from the public and private sectors, operating as a community developer and collaborative lead on team projects. Jalen's experience includes serving as the Chairman of Philanthropy at Florida International University, a mentor for NYC students, and working cross-departmentally in the New York Yankees front office. He currently works in the office of the NYC Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives as an Advisor. 

VP of Community Affairs + Youth Engagement

Chris is deeply committed to advancing our mission of supporting education and youth development. He plays a key role in organizing our basketball and football tournaments, which unite the community and drive our impact forward. Chris’s dedication and hands-on approach help push Joyful Occasions’ mission to new levels, making a difference through both his leadership and his commitment to service.

Event Logistics Manager

Paul brings a strong sense of organization and care to our team. Paul ensures all of our events are set up in an orderly fashion. He also coordinates our annual flea market event, blending his operational skills with a passion for community engagement. His dedication to both the team and our mission makes him an invaluable part of Joyful Occasions.

Social Media Coordinator

Athena is an essential member of Joyful Occasions, serving as our social media coordinator. She crafts engaging multimedia content that highlights our initiatives and community impact, bringing our stories to life.

Branding & Design Lead

Max is the creative mind behind Joyful Occasions' visual identity. He initially helped design our website and now leads the design for our merchandise, crafting pieces that reflect our mission and resonate with our community.

PR & Marketing Coordinator

Rachel serves as the PR Coordinator for Joyful Occasions, bringing her expertise in public relations to help increasing our brand awareness, while also helping lead the charge in our marketing efforts.

Website Manager

Shakiem is a valuable member of Joyful Occasions, ensuring our website stays up to date. His efforts to connect us with the Stuydome have been instrumental in enhancing our event offerings, and he has generously secured free trophies for our competitions.