Jay Abeyta, Jr. is a father and enrolled tribal member of the Ohkay Owingeh tribe "Village of the Strong." Jay is the CEO and co-founder of a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization called Boys & Girls Club of Generational Empowerment (BGCGE). He was the former Executive Director for the Ohkay Owingeh Boys & Girls Club in Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and the former Tribal Health & Human Services Deputy Director. With over 19 years of success in leading diverse teams focused on strategic planning, marketing, budgeting, administration, and human relations, Jay believes that he can make an invaluable contribution to youth development by providing access to resources and opportunities that promote equity and equality. He has a passion for working with youth. "I'm a firm believer in youth programming because I am a product of a Boys & Girls Club. The Club helped me through my most vulnerable times and encouraged me to stay in school, graduate, and give back." Jay holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Northern New Mexico College and a Master of Science degree in Psychology from New Mexico Highlands University. Currently, he is pursuing his Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree from the University of New Mexico. He enjoys traveling, working out, reading, and playing chess with his son when he's not working.