Cynthia Psencik was born and raised in New York City to parents from the Dominican Republic. After studying and working in the fashion industry, she was drawn to serve in the Archdiocese of New York, where she worked in the Hispanic Ministry Office and Catechetical Office, led retreats, and played a key role in the First Encuentro on Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry. These experiences ignited her passion for walking with young people in their faith journeys and led her to earn a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Fordham University. She then served as the Director of the Office of Youth Ministry for four years before joining GIVEN as the Mentoring Program and Alumnae Director. She previously served as the Vice President of La RED – National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana and is a member of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). Cynthia finds joy in dancing salsa, witnessing God’s mercy and healing, loving on her nieces and nephews, and sharing life with her husband, Evan, of nine years. They currently call Austin, TX, home.

“Do not be afraid to set your sights higher, to allow yourself to be loved and liberated by God. Do not be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. Holiness does not make you less human, since it is an encounter between your weakness and the power of God’s grace.” Gaudete et Exsultate, 34