Crisfanny DeLuna-Pelaez has held a number of roles while working for Children’s Aid.

In 2005, she began her career at the agency as an accountant. After several promotions, and stints as a grant specialist and budget analyst, Crisfanny is now the budget and reporting manager in our fiscal department. 

“Being surrounded by numbers and equations, it just excites me,” she said. “It was one of my favorite subjects growing up. Math is really straightforward – there’s a right or wrong.”

Crisfanny grew up in the Dominican Republic as the oldest of four siblings. When her family moved to New York, she had to adjust quickly to an unfamiliar environment at 15 years old – a new country, a new language, and a new school. Though it was challenging, Crisfanny was motivated to succeed.

After graduating from high school in the Bronx, she decided to attend Hostos Community College to obtain her associate degree. Soon after, she landed a job at a nonprofit organization.

But Crisfanny knew she needed a bachelor’s degree to move up in her career.

So she fell back on her love for numbers and majored in finance at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Though juggling a full-time job and taking night classes was taxing, Crisfanny was certain the hard work would eventually pay off. Her degree helped her land a role at Children’s Aid. In 2013, after eight years and a variety of roles at the agency, she was ready to elevate her career again.

“It was strange to be sitting in a classroom again,” she said. “But I wanted to challenge myself, so I decided to pursue my master’s in finance.”

Being the oldest child came with added pressure, Crisfanny said. She strived to be a role model for her three siblings, who all have successful careers.

“I’m the first in my generation who achieved a full college career,” she said. “It’s really hard going to college and not knowing that much English. [College] is something that everyone starts but not many people finish.”

As a Children’s Aid veteran with experience in several departments, Crisfanny is well-versed in accounting, contracts, and budgets. When a new employee joins the fiscal team, she eagerly answers their questions. She credits her parents for instilling both confidence and compassion.

“My parents inspire me every day in the way they live their life. They inspire genuine gratitude, and they always taught me to be honest, kind, humble, hardworking, and have integrity,” she said. “They inspire me to know my limitless potential, see my worth, and not believe anything less. Most inspiring are the patience and ability to reason with people and their excellent compassion skills.”