Dorene Fourar

Dorene Fourar serves as the Principal and Executive Director of YouthBuild Brownsville, a Build UP-licensed and accredited independent school, where she leads the design and implementation of educational and workforce pathways for opportunity youth. A multilingual education and workforce leader with more than a decade of experience, Dorene specializes in re-engaging students who have struggled in traditional systems and preparing them for long-term success.

Dorene holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Applied Linguistics and a Master of Arts in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition. She brings a strong foundation in culturally responsive instruction and student-centered learning, with a focus on creating environments where high expectations and meaningful support coexist.

In her current role, Dorene oversees academic programming, workforce training partnerships, student recruitment, staff development, and program compliance. She leads a federally funded YouthBuild program that integrates GED attainment, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on workforce training in a multilingual setting. Under her leadership, the program has expanded enrollment, strengthened retention systems, and significantly improved job placement outcomes.