Director of Fundraising
Renato Paiva is the visionary CEO of Access Youth Academy, where he has been at the helm since its inception. Over the past 19 years, Renato has transformed Access Youth Academy into one of the world’s premier youth development programs. Under his leadership, the academy boasts a remarkable 100% college graduation rate among its students, who have collectively secured over $16 million in scholarships and clinched 13 national squash titles. Renato’s strategic vision led to the design and construction of a $13 million cutting-edge education and squash facility in a federally designated Promise Zone in Southeastern San Diego, opening its doors in June 2021.
Hailing from Brazil, Renato’s journey began as an internationally ranked squash player, competing across various countries. Before his tenure at Access Youth Academy, he honed his coaching skills at several prestigious institutions, including serving as the Squash Coach at Harvard University and USC. His dedication to youth sports development was recognized in 2010 when he was named Development Coach of the Year by U.S. Squash. He was followed by the 2011 Coach of the Year honor from the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports in Washington, DC.
In the early 2000s, Renato Paiva embarked on a unique journey with Club Med, beginning his career as a Tennis G.O. During this time, he met his wife, Kimberly, who was also a G.O. at their last village, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Today, Renato and Kimberly reside in San Diego, where they are raising their three daughters and balancing family life with their professional commitments.
