Born and raised in White Plains, Hernando Lamela was first introduced to the Youth Bureau during his high school years when he used to frequent the gymnasium and common area. In years that followed, he served as the Mayor’s Youth Council president under the appreciated guidance of Ms. Sheila Foley, Mr. Kenny Person, Ms. Jenester Banks, and Frank Williams.

Hernando moved on to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in architecture from Columbia University. He worked for several architecture and construction firms where he applied the tools taught to him not only via classroom education, but by the spirit of giving back and serving his community as fostered during his years with the Youth Bureau. Additionally, Hernando served as one of the original committee members for the first City of White Plains Hispanic Day Parade. He worked together with a vast array of volunteers, including El Centro Hispano, and various City of White Plains public officials and departments, to bring together one of the most successful and colorful annual festivals.

Currently, Hernando works for construction and management firms and has been instrumental in supervising and directing multi-million construction projects for various clients, including New York City School Construction Authority, MTA and New York City Housing Authority. Notably, he has been directly involved in the redesign and completion of New York City Fire House, Hook & Ladder 8, more famously recognized as the Ghostbuster’s Firehouse.

He has never forgotten the important lessons of service and community he learned and all the people he was blessed to meet at the Youth Bureau. Thank you to the ongoing diligent efforts of the White Plains Youth Bureau!