15 Minutes

WITH LEAdERs In TRAInInG

BY Ta Tiana a nderson Hall

At BGCTM we offer a plethora of Leadership Opportunities. Natalie Grady is our 2017 Female Youth of the Year and Joseph Ryan is our 2017 Male Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. They have both participated in our workforce development program, Leaders in Training as well as our Club Leadership Program Keystone.

Natalie Grady

What got you into Youth of the Year, Keystone, and LIT?

My mentors at the BGC encouraged me take on leadership positions to make my club a better place and to use those as ways to make friends with peers who had the same interests.

How long have you been part of the club and these programs?

I have been a part of the club for 10 years and a part of these programs for 4 years.

What is your favorite part of The Club?

My favorite part of the club is Keystone because no idea was too big as long as we were willing to put in the work and I learned to be a leader. I also love the support system that I have here. I am surrounded people who want to see me succeed and are there for me through every little milestone in my journey.

Why are you a leader?

I am a leader because I take the initiative, I have drive and direction, I encourage everyone to participate and I know how to work in teams.

What leaders inspire you?

The leaders that inspire are my staff because they were all once club kids before me and inspire me to accomplish and take advantage of the opportunities they all had. I see them continuously thrive to better their club experience through job promotions and the creating and teaching of new programs and I know that I am capable of doing the same.

What goals do you have for the Club and yourself as a future club alumnus?

I would love to actively do teen outreach. The older the members get the more they weed out, but I strongly believe that a member’s club experience only enhances as they get older. The opportunities and resources at the club such as the college and career center, mentors, and a safe and productive place to be after school are great tools to have in your back pocket when help is needed with homework, scholarships, FAFSA or just a support system.

What has been your GREATest accomplishment as a Club member?

As a Club member I have two greatest accomplishments. My first is winning the Female Youth of the Year title and the second is becoming a BGC staff. Being able to walk kids through theirs hard times and telling them I’m proud of them when they accomplish something are two of the most fulfilling feelings because those are the relationships that have the strongest foundation and that are irreplaceable.

Joseph Ryan

What got you into Youth of the Year, Keystone, and LIT?

Most of my friends participated in these programs, at first I just wanted to hang out with them. After participating I truly fell in love with helping and programming with the members.

How long have you been part of the club and these programs?

LIT 4 years, Keystone 2 years, Club member 8 years.

What is your favorite part of The Club?

I enjoy working with the kids everyday

Why are you a leader?

I want to keep kids on track and lead them to success.

What leaders inspire you?

Tina Drudi, Ta-Tiana Anderson-Hall, Casey Rogers and Brenda Torres. These coordinators are very dedicated to their work at the club and their passion to the positive development of youth is inspirational.

What goals do you have for the Club and yourself as a future club alumnus?

I see myself working here as a staff in the future and through college. I would like to see the Club come together and be a communal force to help the kids in our community.

What has been your GREATest accomplishment as a Club member?

Becoming Youth of the Year is my GREATest accomplishment. It was a lot of work and at times uncomfortable but I am grateful for the experience and the skills I have attained such as public speaking and networking.

Sahari Derez Chavez, Age 9

Yarveli Magallanes, age 12

Jayla, age 13