Meet Our Founder
Stachakay Silvera is the Executive Director and Founder of B.I.O. (Beautiful Inside and Out) ®, INC.
B.I.O. is an incorporated nonprofit, 501c(3) taxed-exempt organization that empowers youth to regain their voice and normalize mental health within the community. Stachakay incorporated B.I.O. in the year 2020. However, at 16, Stachakay created a B.I.O. afterschool program in her school for girls who wanted a safe and open space to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Growing up, Stachakay encountered several traumatic events and experiences. Younger Stachakay had her voice taken away and felt there was a lack of support for her. Through these experiences, Stachakay realized she was not the only person who dealt with such events, feelings, and emotions, which resulted in B.I.O. being born. Stachakay aims to make a difference, help youth regain their voices, and help them become better versions of themselves while understanding the importance of their mental health. Stachakay connects with the saying," It is not when you fall; it is what you do after." All that Stachakay has been through has prepared her for B.I.O. Stachakay will not allow her experiences to define who she is but a stepping stool to become a better version of herself. Stachakay has used her experiences as a stepping stool to help others in similar situations.
Stachakay graduated from Sacred Heart University with her bachelor's in criminal justice and social work. She also graduated from Sacred Heart University with her Master's in Social Work, specializing in Direct Clinical Practice. Stachakay is a school social worker in Fairfield County and a Professor at Sacred Heart University teaching Social Justice classes. Stachakay has been a proud member of Phi Alpha Honor Society since 2018 and Alpha Phi Sigma since 2017.