World Childhood Foundation USA (Childhood USA), one of the country’s leading non-profits in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse, today announced the appointment of Mary L. Pulido, Ph.D., as Executive Director, effective October 5, 2023. Dr. Pulido’s extensive experience and background in child protection and advocacy will further reinforce Childhood USA’s core mission across its three key areas of focus: child supportive environments and relationships, child safety online, and child-focused response to abuse.
“For two decades, Childhood USA has helped to safeguard and support the most vulnerable, working to create a more secure, supportive environment for every child across the United States,” said Dr. Mary Pulido, incoming Executive Director of Childhood USA. “The opportunity to lead such a vital organization devoted to eradicating child sexual exploitation and abuse is a true honor and I look forward to partnering with its devoted team and extraordinary partners to further Childhood USA’s mission, as we all work towards a day when every child is protected and safe.”
Since 2001, Dr. Pulido has been the Executive Director of The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), the first child protection agency in the world. She has held senior management positions at the Child Protection Center of Montefiore Medical Center (a Child Advocacy Center), the Children’s Village, and at Covenant House/Under 21. Dr. Pulido holds the rank of Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College at CUNY. Her deep experience and knowledge have led her to be the Principal Investigator in several research projects relating to issues of child sexual abuse, neglect, and trauma. She serves on the National Board of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) and is President of the NYS Chapter of the APSAC Board and is Chair of their Public Policy Committee. Since 2019, she has been a member of Childhood USA’s Scientific Advisory Group.
Founded in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, World Childhood Foundation stands as a testament to its commitment to advocating for the fundamental right of every child to experience a secure and nurturing childhood. The organization’s mission is reinforced by its dedication to enhancing the living circumstances of children who face the imminent risk of becoming victims of violence or sexual abuse.
“We are delighted to welcome Mary Pulido as our new Executive Director at Childhood USA. Dr. Pulido’s wealth of experience and unwavering passion have positioned her as the ideal leader for Childhood USA, ensuring an even more profound impact in the battle against child abuse,” said Lauren Aste, Chair of the Board of Childhood USA. “Her appointment signifies an exciting new chapter for the organization, reaffirming our commitment to championing the safety and overall well-being of children across the US.”
About Childhood USA
For over 20 years World Childhood Foundation USA’s mission, founded by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, has been to inspire, promote, and develop solutions to end sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. A United Nations accredited NGO, Childhood USA has served over 90,000 children and their families in the United States – both directly and indirectly – through innovative and grassroots programmatic support, global/US advocacy initiatives, such as The Out of the Shadows Index, a benchmarking study on prevention of and response to CSEA, and high-level meetings with government, academic, civil society, and private sector leaders.
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