Raquel Tapia, MNM, MPA — Senior Director, Operations and Programs

Raquel joined the Foundation in April 2014, as the Education Program Manager. In November 2017, Raquel was promoted to the Senior Manager, Program Operations and Risk Management due to her vast knowledge of Foundation program operations combined with her educational experience. As of January 2019, Raquel serves as the Foundation’s Director of Operations and Programs. Raquel has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University. Additionally, Raquel has a Master of Public Administration Degree, a Master of Nonprofit Management Degree as well as a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising from the University of Central Florida. Raquel is also, an Adjunct Professor at Bethune-Cookman University in the Department of International and Public Affairs Studies and a Strategic Planning Consultant.

Raquel came to the Foundation with eight years child welfare experience. Raquel started in the field as an Intern with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Volusia & Flagler Counties where she worked with child victims of sexual abuse. In 2009, she was employed as a Dependency Case Manager with Children’ Home Society where she received her Child Protection Certification and Domestic Violence Specialization. In 2011, Raquel work with Kids House of Seminole as a Family Advocate where she gained her Family Team Conferencing Certification. This same year, Raquel obtained her Mental Health Case Management Certification to provide Targeted Case Management services to adults and children with Mental Health Diagnosis. Before coming to the Foundation, Raquel worked with Friends of Children and Families where she served as Program Coordinator to the organization’s mentoring and tutoring program.

In 2016, Raquel earned the B-CU 40 under 40 award from Bethune-Cookman University, recognizing the youngest, brightest, and most accomplished graduates. In 2017, Raquel earned UCF’s 30 under 30 award for outstanding UCF alumni who “reach for the stars” in their professional and personal lives.

Raquel is originally from St. Thomas, the United States Virgin Islands, but was raised in Orlando. She enjoys research, reading and spending time with her two children, Marissa and Riley and husband, Maurice.