YouthBuild Boston recently announced the appointment of Danyson Tavares — designer, educator, and community changemaker — as its new executive director.

Tavares, a Dorchester native who grew up on Holden Street, will lead the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting career pathways in the building industry for Boston’s youth of color. 

With his extensive background in architecture, and a longstanding commitment to community engagement and advocacy for universal design access, Tavares brings a valuable perspective and broad expertise and credentials to his new role.

Tavares joined YouthBuild Boston in 2022. As Project Development Manager, he has spearheaded affordable housing projects and community initiatives, laying the groundwork for design education courses. He is actively involved with the Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects and American Institute of Architects and has been an adjunct faculty member at Boston Architectural College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Rhode Island School of Design.

Before joining YouthBuild, Tavares earned both a bachelor and master of Science in Architecture from Wentworth, with a focus on the role of architecture in community building.

“I am deeply committed to our work helping Boston’s young people find their pathway to professional and personal success in the building industry and can’t wait to work with our talented team to propel YouthBuild into our fourth decade of success and impact,” said Tavares.