Gladys is a national leader in youth justice and has been a fearless advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare system. She has received numerous awards and has served on several national advisory committees focused on reforming juvenile justice and promoting the well-being of children and young adults. She currently co-chairs the Lab's Youth Correctional Leaders for Justice, a group of current and former administrators who are advocating for the end of the youth prison model and a shift to a more community-based approach to youth justice.
Previously, Gladys was was appointed as Commissioner of the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), after serving as Commissioner of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for seven years. She has served as the Senior Vice President for Community Investment with the United Way of New York City, and the Executive Director of Inwood House, one of the oldest youth serving organizations in the city. As Commissioner of New York City's Community Development Agency under Mayor David Dinkins, Gladys led antipoverty efforts by restructuring the Community Actions Programs. Born and raised in the Bronx, Gladys is a graduate of Fordham University and New York University School of Law.
