Shaping Purpose. Igniting Futures. For His Fame.
Young people shouldn’t have to figure out identity, faith, and purpose alone. And too many are being asked to carry those questions without consistent guidance or care.
We serve youth ages 10-22 across New York City through relational pathways that integrate creative expression, holistic care, and purpose-driven enterprise, so young people grow with clarity, confidence, and direction.
We Walk With Young People Toward Clarity and Confidence
Through consistent relationships, creative expression, and community care, Youth Vision helps young people form identity, build resilience, and grow into purposeful leadership.Through purpose-driven enterprise and real-world opportunities, they gain the skills, agency, and responsibility to shape their future with dignity and direction.
We partner with parents, churches, donors, and community leaders who believe formation happens best in relationship.
Youth Vision is a Christ-centered movement shaping a generation of creative leaders.
From the Bronx to Queens to beyond, we’re building pathways of purpose, healing, and innovation — raising up young visionaries for God’s glory.
A Cultural RIGHT of Passage for
the Next Generation of Visionaries
NYC·Summer 2026
Step into the circle.
Master your craft.
Become who you were meant to be.
This is not a camp, this is a culture
Two weeks, five disciplines,
one city that built it all.
If you are a young creator in middle school or high school
who's curious, creative, or ready to grow — this is your moment.
Ray Anthony Villegas
Founder/CEO,Youth Vision
mission
Root the movement in faith,
scripture, and purpose.
Rooted in the Vision of Isaiah 61, Fulfilled in Luke 4
Isaiah 61:1–3 / Luke 4:18–19
MISSION
Helping youth discover and develop their God-given purpose through creative expression, holistic care, and purpose-driven enterprise.
OUR BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
Youth Vision is inspired by the prophetic vision of Isaiah 61, where God promises good news for the poor, healing for the brokenhearted, and restoration for communities.
Jesus declared this mission fulfilled when He read these words in the synagogue (Luke 4:18–21).
After His resurrection, Jesus entrusted this mission to His followers:
"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
John 20:21
"They will be called OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."
Isaiah 61:3
VISION
A global movement where young visionaries are known, equipped, and unleashed to transform their communities through faith, creativity, and leadership.
What Shapes Our Culture
Our values guide how we lead, serve, and steward trust.
Shared leadership.
Trusted oversight.
Youth Vision is rooted in New York City and led by experienced practitioners and supported by trusted oversight to ensure faithfulness, safety, and long-term sustainability.
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Founder
Ray Anthony Villegas
Ray has spent more than two decades walking alongside young people across New York, helping them discover faith, belonging, and purpose.
Known by many as “Rayski,” a nickname reflecting his belief in redemption and identity rooted in faith, Ray leads from a deep conviction that every young person carries God-given potential— and that no story is beyond renewal.
As Founder and CEO of Youth Vision, he brings this conviction to life through relational leadership and innovative models that integrate formation, creativity, and sustainable enterprise to strengthen individuals and renew communities.
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Leadership Partner
Sarah
Villegas
Sarah is a key leader and trusted partner in the life of Youth Vision, playing an essential role in shaping staff culture, care, and formation. A lifelong New Yorker, she brings decades of experience in youth ministry, education, and creative formation.
An artist, teacher, and nurturer at heart, Sarah is especially gifted in listening, mentoring, and helping individuals feel seen and supported. Her work centers on creating healthy environments where people can grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
At Youth Vision, Sarah contributes to building a culture rooted in dignity, grace, and intentional care—believing that strong teams and healthy relationships are foundational to lasting impact.
Board & Governance Statement
Youth Vision is supported by a diverse board of leaders who provide spiritual guidance, financial oversight, and strategic accountability. Board members bring experience across faith, education, nonprofit leadership, finance, and community development.
Board Chair
Rev. Dr. James Leonard
Rev. Dr. James Leonard is a pastor and spiritual leader with a deep commitment to guiding individuals toward faith, healing, and purposeful living. His ministry is rooted in authenticity, encouragement, and transformation, equipping people to grow in Christ and lead lives grounded in hope. As Board Chair of Youth Vision, Dr. Leonard provides steady governance, spiritual discernment, and strategic oversight. He helps ensure the organization remains faithful to its mission while building strong systems that support young people with integrity, compassion, and accountability.
Secretary
Connie Lewin
Connie Lewin is an executive with more than fifteen years of experience driving revenue growth, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing economic development initiatives. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Rochester, she brings disciplined leadership and financial insight to her role as Board Secretary. Connie is passionate about expanding access to opportunity and believes that strong governance and sustainable growth are essential to supporting young people long-term. At Youth Vision, she helps ensure the organization operates with clarity, accountability, and strategic focus.
Director
Rafael Rosario III
Rafael Rosario III is a digital strategist and nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience advancing social impact through technology, storytelling, and community engagement. As Founder of Basement Ghost Media, he works to expand digital literacy, STEM education, and youth empowerment in underserved communities. Rafael brings strategic creativity, innovation expertise, and a strong belief in the God-given potential of young people. On the Youth Vision Board, he helps strengthen digital strategy, expand access, and position the organization for sustainable impact.
Vice Chair
Rick Stephan
Rick Stephan is a follower of Jesus, a devoted family man, and an active community volunteer. He recently retired after a long career as a Sales Engineer with IBM, where he built trusted relationships and solved complex challenges for clients. Rick has invested in youth throughout most of his adult life, shaped by his own experience of having his life direction formed during his teenage years through the influence of caring adults. He and his wife, Jane, live in Saratoga Springs, New York, and remain deeply committed to helping young people grow in purpose, faith, and confidence.
Director, Founder & CEO
Ray Anthony Villegas
Ray Anthony Villegas is the Founder and CEO of Youth Vision and a veteran youth development leader with more than thirty years of experience in faith-based ministry, social work, and nonprofit leadership. He holds a Master of Social Work and was educated at Nyack College and the University at Albany (SUNY), grounding his work in both theological formation and systems-level practice. Raised in New York City, Ray believes early guidance, creativity, and trusted relationships can change the trajectory of a young person’s future. He founded Youth Vision to create pathways where faith, leadership development, and opportunity intersect—equipping young people to grow in purpose, resilience, and hope.
Director
Tyler Lafferty
Tyler Lafferty is an entrepreneur and creative strategist who has co-founded nationally recognized digital and media agencies, partnering with leading brands including Amazon, AT&T, and Adidas. Alongside his professional work, Tyler has spent more than twenty-five years mentoring students and helping young people explore meaningful career pathways. Through speaking, authorship, and founding youth-focused initiatives, he has consistently invested in equipping the next generation with clarity and confidence. On the Youth Vision Board, Tyler contributes entrepreneurial insight, strategic growth expertise, and a deep belief that young people thrive when given both vision and practical opportunity.
Board Chair
Rev. Dr. James Leonard
Rev. Dr. James Leonard is a pastor and spiritual leader with a deep commitment to guiding individuals toward faith, healing, and purposeful living. His ministry is rooted in authenticity, encouragement, and transformation, equipping people to grow in Christ and lead lives grounded in hope. As Board Chair of Youth Vision, Dr. Leonard provides steady governance, spiritual discernment, and strategic oversight. He helps ensure the organization remains faithful to its mission while building strong systems that support young people with integrity, compassion, and accountability.
Secretary
Connie Lewin
Connie Lewin is an executive with more than fifteen years of experience driving revenue growth, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing economic development initiatives. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Rochester, she brings disciplined leadership and financial insight to her role as Board Secretary. Connie is passionate about expanding access to opportunity and believes that strong governance and sustainable growth are essential to supporting young people long-term. At Youth Vision, she helps ensure the organization operates with clarity, accountability, and strategic focus.
Director
Rafael Rosario III
Rafael Rosario III is a digital strategist and nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience advancing social impact through technology, storytelling, and community engagement. As Founder of Basement Ghost Media, he works to expand digital literacy, STEM education, and youth empowerment in underserved communities. Rafael brings strategic creativity, innovation expertise, and a strong belief in the God-given potential of young people. On the Youth Vision Board, he helps strengthen digital strategy, expand access, and position the organization for sustainable impact.
Vice Chair
Rick Stephan
Rick Stephan is a follower of Jesus, a devoted family man, and an active community volunteer. He recently retired after a long career as a Sales Engineer with IBM, where he built trusted relationships and solved complex challenges for clients. Rick has invested in youth throughout most of his adult life, shaped by his own experience of having his life direction formed during his teenage years through the influence of caring adults. He and his wife, Jane, live in Saratoga Springs, New York, and remain deeply committed to helping young people grow in purpose, faith, and confidence.
Director, Founder & CEO
Ray Anthony Villegas
Ray Anthony Villegas is the Founder and CEO of Youth Vision and a veteran youth development leader with more than thirty years of experience in faith-based ministry, social work, and nonprofit leadership. He holds a Master of Social Work and was educated at Nyack College and the University at Albany (SUNY), grounding his work in both theological formation and systems-level practice. Raised in New York City, Ray believes early guidance, creativity, and trusted relationships can change the trajectory of a young person’s future. He founded Youth Vision to create pathways where faith, leadership development, and opportunity intersect—equipping young people to grow in purpose, resilience, and hope.
Director
Tyler Lafferty
Tyler Lafferty is an entrepreneur and creative strategist who has co-founded nationally recognized digital and media agencies, partnering with leading brands including Amazon, AT&T, and Adidas. Alongside his professional work, Tyler has spent more than twenty-five years mentoring students and helping young people explore meaningful career pathways. Through speaking, authorship, and founding youth-focused initiatives, he has consistently invested in equipping the next generation with clarity and confidence. On the Youth Vision Board, Tyler contributes entrepreneurial insight, strategic growth expertise, and a deep belief that young people thrive when given both vision and practical opportunity.
Governance & Safety Statement:
Across all environments, Youth Vision prioritizes safe, supervised, and relationally grounded spaces where every young person is known, protected, and respected.
There is a place for you in this work.
Young people thrive when adults choose to show up together. The Cornerstone Community is a group of individuals, families, and churches and institutions committed to supporting Youth Vision through generosity, prayer, leadership, and service.
70
of
300
have joined the movement.
The Four Lanes
Financial Champions
Financial support that sustains programs and growth
Prayer Champions
Intercede for youth, leaders, and God’s provision.
Leadership Champions
Serve through governance, advisory roles, or staff.
Volunteer Champions
Offer time and skills to bring programs and events to life.
There’s a place for everyone in the foundation of Youth Vision
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Be part of the story shaping purpose and igniting futures across New York City. Our monthly publication, The Visionary Times, shares real stories of transformation, creative impact, and hope from the front lines of Youth Vision.
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