MEDIA CONTACT : Arthena Antonetti, Communications Director | Email
April 30, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY — Safe Passage Project (SPP), a nonprofit organization providing free legal representation and psychosocial support to immigrant youth in New York City and Long Island, today announced the selection of Ignacio Jaureguilorda as its next Executive Director. Ignacio will join the organization on June 8, 2026.
Ignacio emerged as the ideal candidate because of his connection to the mission, his broad and strategic approach to solving problems, and his commitment to staff development and values-based leadership. An experienced New York City nonprofit leader, he has spent over 20 years working in legal services across a range of issues and disciplines, with deepening experience in team and operational management, fundraising, and government affairs. He began his career at AIDS Center of Queens County and Housing Works, and most recently spent over a decade leading the Civil Access to Justice Initiatives team at the Center for Justice Innovation.
“Safe Passage Project plays a critical role in making sure that immigrant children and youth are not left to navigate the legal system alone. Every child deserves meaningful representation and a fair chance, and this organization exists to make that possible. I am honored to join Safe Passage Project and to work alongside its talented staff and partners to strengthen its impact for every young person we serve.” — Ignacio Jaureguilorda, Incoming Executive Director
“We are at an important moment in Safe Passage Project’s history, and we are thrilled that Ignacio will be leading us through it. He brings to the organization an impressive trajectory of service and leadership and a deep commitment to SPP’s mission and the communities we serve. We look forward to seeing him build on what this extraordinary organization has already achieved.” — Juan Francisco Mendez, Board Chair
Founded in 2013, Safe Passage Project has grown from a small legal clinic incubated at New York Law School to an organization of more than 60 staff, serving over 1,600 unaccompanied immigrant youth across New York City and Long Island and winning over 90% of its cases.
About Safe Passage Project
Safe Passage Project is a New York-based organization dedicated to ensuring no child faces the immigration process alone. SPP provides free legal representation and social work support to unaccompanied immigrant youth in New York City and Long Island, working alongside a network of more than 400 pro bono attorneys. For more information, visit www.safepassageproject.org
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