Leadership at Pace

As the Chief Program Officer, Aggie Pappas, M.S.W., oversees the overall implementation and performance of the Pace Center for Girls’ program models and leads the development, operations, evaluation, and growth of these models. She is responsible for developing, strengthening, and managing a comprehensive array of girl-centered program services across multiple states, setting organizational and programmatic vision and priorities, and building a strong and collaborative organizational and program team culture.

Aggie has been instrumental in the growth and success of Pace Center for Girls since 1992. Her visionary leadership is evident in transformative programs like the Reach Therapy Program Model and the Girls Coordinating Council model, which have been replicated across Florida and nationally.

As the founding Pace Broward Executive Director for 28 years, Aggie oversaw staff leadership development, program design and expansion, resource development, board recruitment, and operation oversight. Her contributions include strategic planning, grant writing, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives.

In 2021, Aggie was promoted to Vice President of Program & Innovation for Pace's National Office, leading new initiatives and supporting multiple centers. She remains deeply engaged in community efforts, advocating for girls and enhancing care systems. 

Before Pace, Aggie gained social work and management experience at The Salvation Army and Covenant House Florida. A Bronx native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Fordham University and a master’s degree in social work from Barry University. She also contributed to a book on Restorative Justice and supporting girls in diversion programming. Aggie's career exemplifies her dedication to community betterment and advocating for young girls' well-being.

Yessica Cancel is an accomplished leader with extensive experience spanning both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Recognized for her dedication to scaling organizations and driving positive change, she has consistently focused on nurturing talent and fostering collaborative environments.

Yessica’s career began in the classroom as a passionate teacher, where her commitment to education laid the foundation for her future leadership roles. Most recently, she served as President of Saga Education, a national leader in high-impact, in-school tutoring, where she implemented innovative, research-driven strategies that resulted in measurable improvements in student outcomes.

"My career has always been focused on the development of others," Yessica states. "Whether as an educator or in an organizational development capacity, my passion lies in helping individuals and teams identify and leverage their strengths." This dedication has led to the creation of sustainable, thriving cultures wherever she has been.

Having previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Pace for 11 transformative years, Yessica is excited to return to the organization she deeply understands and values.

April Dobes joined the Pace team in October of 2024, having spent most of her career with Sysco, where she held several leadership roles, including CFO & Vice President of Finance for Sysco Jacksonville, Market CFO for the Southeast Region, President & EVP of Sysco Jacksonville, and most recently as Senior Director of Sales Finance for Sysco US, where she managed $50B in revenue and $1B in expenses. 

April holds an MBA from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business from Jacksonville University.  April’s strong commitment to community service through her role as a Trustee for the River Garden Foundation aligns with her commitment to serving our mission. Her leadership is defined by integrity, collaboration, and a passion for fostering environments where caring, purpose, learning, and results thrive. 

With more than two decades of experience leading human resources across nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Eugenia Allen brings a deep commitment to building mission-driven cultures where people can thrive. A graduate of the University of Florida, Eugenia is known for her strategic vision, relational leadership, and ability to translate organizational goals into meaningful action.

Eugenia joined Pace Center for Girls in 2016 to blend her lifelong passion for people and culture with an organization whose mission transforms lives. As a mother of four adult daughters, she felt called to give her talents to an organization that gives back to the world—particularly one that empowers girls to find their voice, purpose, and strength.

At Pace, Eugenia leads the People & Culture team in advancing talent acquisition, engagement, professional development, and organizational health. She is deeply inspired by Pace’s culture and by team members who live the mission every day through caring, learning, purpose, and results.

Before joining Pace, Eugenia led people strategy and organizational development efforts across multiple industries, driving culture transformation, leadership development, and talent optimization. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and results.

Beyond her professional work, Eugenia has served as Marketing Director for TEDxJacksonville, and volunteered with many other community organizations, reflecting her belief in giving back and using her expertise to make a positive difference.