Nashua PAL's Jaela Solis Honored With A National Award: National PAL’s 2026 Staff Of The Year

Nashua PAL is proud to announce that Jaela Solis, Nashua PAL’s Downtown Director and longtime mentor at the PAL Youth Safe Haven, has been named National PAL’s 2026 Staff of the Year – a national honor recognizing extraordinary dedication, leadership, and impact on youth and community. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Ygp_8GNZz30?si=0tAwy8zqBTquowsn

For more than 17 years, Jaela has been a steady, compassionate, and inspiring presence for thousands of Nashua youth. Known for her unwavering commitment to every child who walks through PAL’s doors, Jaela has always worked to create a safe, welcoming space where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow, which is evident in the lasting relationships she builds and the confidence she instills in every young person she supports.

As Downtown Director, Jaela leads programs that build leadership, confidence, and connection among youth in Nashua’s most underserved neighborhoods. But to the young people at PAL, she is much more than a staff member – she is a mentor, trusted adult, advocate, and friend.

Jaela often says, “Once a PAL kid, always a PAL kid,” a phrase that perfectly reflects the lifelong relationships she has built with youth and families throughout her nearly two decades at PAL. Former PAL members, now adults themselves, regularly return to visit Jaela for advice, encouragement, or simply to share life updates. Today, Jaela is even welcoming second-generation PAL members, true evidence to the trust and impact she has built within the community over the years.

Jaela’s care for PAL youth extends far beyond daily programming. From making sure every child’s holiday wish list is fulfilled, to helping teens set goals and celebrate achievements, Jaela pours her heart into every aspect of PAL’s work. Her ability to see potential in young people – especially those facing difficult circumstances – has changed countless lives.

One of those young people is longtime PAL member Fatima Garcia, age 17, who shared this about her mentor: “Jaela sees everyone for who we are, not for our mistakes, and loves us unconditionally. She always has given me hope and pushes me to be the leader I am today.”

At Nashua PAL’s Night of Champions Gala, Fatima surprised Jaela during a speech with a heartfelt tribute and bouquet of flowers in front of hundreds of supporters. “Jaela has always been there, not just for me, but for everyone,” Fatima shared. “She spends so much time helping us and showing what it means to be cared for and supported – even for kids that no one cares about them for they have no one to rely on – they know they can rely on Ms. Jaela. She might not realize it, but she makes such a big impact on our lives and our community.” 

“When I started 17 years ago at PAL, I never could have imagined where it would take me. I couldn’t imagine the opportunities that I’ve gotten or how rewarding it would be.” Jaela continued, “I think I’ve gotten more from the PAL kids than they have from me. I’ve learned so much about myself from them and through them – I don’t think I ever want to leave. It’s a great honor to receive this award.”

“Jaela represents the very heart of PAL,” said Shaun Nelson, Executive Director of Nashua PAL. “Her impact cannot be measured simply in programs or years of service... It’s measured in the lives she has changed, the trust she has built, and the hope she gives our youth every single day. We are so grateful to Jaela for everything she does. This recognition is so well deserved!”

On behalf of Nashua PAL’s staff, volunteers, and youth, we congratulate Jaela Solis on this incredible national honor and thanks her for the compassion, dedication, and love she continues to pour into Nashua’s youth and families every day. Please join us in congratulating Jaela Solis on this well-deserved honor as National PAL’s 2026 Staff of the Year!