Gregory John Pereira

Gregory John Pereira has been affiliated with the College and Community Fellowship (CCF) program since 2005, and since that time he was able to earn a Masters in Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York while participating in the program.

As an alumnus, Mr. Pereira joined and became a member of CCF’s speaker’s bureau and theatre group which is composed of formerly incarcerated, college students.  As a speaker bureau participant, he has spoken about his experience to other organizations about CCF services.  As a member of the Theater group, he has met with other students to write and perform a joint theater piece each year based on their experiences during and after incarceration. He recently joined to assist the organization, as a member of its Board of Directors.

Mr. Pereira also has a history of providing services and managing harm reduction and HIV prevention programs. He is the founder and CEO of First Steps to Urban Outreach, Inc., a professional training and resource center and DMV- DWI program with locations in Manhattan and the Bronx.

He has held key management positions with several community-based organizations in the areas of HIV prevention, leadership development, young adult education, harm reduction, substance use/abuse, SUNY Health & Safety training, CPR and First Aid.  Previously, he was the prevention services director for the Positive Health Project.  In this position, he worked to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS by providing holistic health and prevention services based on the harm reduction model, to people who use drugs or engage in other behaviors that may put them or their loved ones at risk.

After serving time and getting treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency, he made significant life changes, and for over 13 years he has worked with marginalized populations to create positive changes.

Mr. Pereira is now a Harlem business owner, where he provides training to youth programs, substance services, homeless population, on substance abuse treatment and overdose prevention.
In addition, he is certified to provide SUNY Health and Safety Day Care Provider trainings as regulated by NYS office of children and family services. He has also served as a mentor to others and been a role model to his children and other youth in the community.

His countless hours spent helping people who are rebuilding their lives, shows that he is extremely committed to whatever he pursues.  He has worked with members of the community, and also helped to implement plans and programs that enrich the lives of many people. He has the fire and passion to get things done, and a strong desire to assist those in need.  Through Mr. Pereira’s work, he has shown others in the community that it is never too late to return to school, and have a positive influence on the lives of others. His life showcases the spirit of hope and limitless possibilities that available to those whose have faces similar circumstances.

Mr. Pereira is awarded the Leadership in Education Award for his commitment to his own higher education and to helping others pursue higher education, and for his excellent work as an entrepreneur that educates the public about critical issues impacting their lives.