SHAPING THE FUTURES WITH HEART

Meet Our New Senior Director of Teens and Young Adult Programs

For over six years, one staff member has quietly been transforming the lives of young people at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County. From driving delivery trucks to directing teen programming, his journey is one of perseverance, personal growth, and deep passion for youth development.

Now, as the Senior Director of Teen and Young Adult Programs, Ramiro Martinez is leading an ambitious expansion of workforce readiness initiatives aimed at creating life-changing opportunities for young people in our community.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, this dedicated team member’s story starts close to home. “I grew up in a single-parent household,” Ramiro shares. “My mother worked two jobs to provide for me and my older brother. She showed me what it means to work hard and make sacrifices. I didn’t understand it all then, but now I do—and it motivates me every day.”

He also credits his older brother for stepping into a guiding role when his father was rarely present, and he fondly remembers his first job at Baker’s Square, where he learned early lessons in independence and responsibility. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his career and his deep empathy for the youth he now serves.

Though he wasn’t a “Club kid” himself, he found his way to the Boys & Girls Club in 2019 while looking for additional work. Initially a substitute activity leader working part-time a few days a week, his path soon changed. In 2020, he took a job in the Nutrition Department as a driver. That temporary role turned into a long-term commitment.

Ramiro celebrates his monumental achievement at the Cal State Bakersfield graduation, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.”

Over the next four and a half years, he rose through the ranks to Kitchen Manager and then Nutrition Operations Manager. Today, he leads teen and young adult programming with a clear mission: to inspire, equip, and empower.

He’s not only passionate…he’s qualified. In 2021, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies from CSUB, followed by a Master of Science in Educational Counseling and Student Affairs in 2025. His educational background and life experiences create a powerful combination for leading teen and young adult development.

“What I enjoy most about working at the Club is connecting with youth and building healthy, meaningful relationships,” he says. “I look forward to seeing them grow into young adults who are confident, capable, and compassionate.”

The launch of the Club’s expanded Life & Workforce Readiness Program and the development of a new facility marks an exciting new chapter. His goal? To build upon an already strong foundation and open doors to new career pathways. “I want to introduce teens and young adults to professionals in healthcare, the trades, and tech,” he says. “Let’s spark something inside them. Let’s create real-world opportunities that matter.”

He envisions a future where club members are not only learning but laughing, leading, and teaching each other. “It’s not about checking boxes,” he says. “It’s about shaping lives— creating a program that produces long-term change.”

Throughout his journey, Ramiro has been supported by mentors at the Club who helped shape his own development. He points to colleagues like Chelsea Dow, Nutrition Coordinator, Ruth Miranda, Senior Area Program

Director and Zane Smith, CEO & Executive Director, as sources of inspiration and guidance. “They’ve each taught me something valuable—whether it was leadership, grace through correction, or the importance of collaboration.”

Ramiro helping a Keystone member with resumes.

When asked what advice he would give to teens and young people just walking through the doors, his message is heartfelt: “Bring your whole self. Be open to new experiences and remember that your voice matters.” For those considering a role at the Club, he adds: “This isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to shape futures.”

Outside of work, he’s an adventurer at heart. He’s traveled to Italy, France, and England, with dreams of exploring Brazil, Japan, Spain, and Colombia to experience their rich cultures and histories. But no matter where he travels, his purpose remains the same—empowering others through mentorship, positivity, and growth.

As he leads the Teen and Young Adults Program into its next chapter, he remains grounded in what inspires him most: “Positive results. Seeing people become more self-sufficient, hearing the excitement in their voices after a career workshop—it reminds me why I do this.”

In his own words, “The sky’s the limit.” And with his passion and leadership, the future for our teens and young adults looks brighter than ever.