Youth Development Specialist Summary
For the past 23 years, I have been heavily involved with the American Youth Foundation to help high school student realize their best selves and become the leaders of tomorrow. In 1998, I attended the AYF's International Leadership Conference as a participant and it changed my world. The program developed me into the leader I am today with a passion for social justice, equity and inclusion, environmental justice, and building others' leadership. After 4 years of participating in the program, I transitioned to serving the program as a Youth Development Specialist during my summers.
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I am proud of the skills that I developed as a participant and as a specialist with the AYF but I am most proud of the development of those around me. The participants that I have worked with continue to impress me with the leaders they have become. I will continue to work with the AYF and the mission of growing leadership in young people.
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My work with The Center for Disabilities was formative for me. I was formally diagnosed with synesthesia, a condition that colors numbers, letters, and music in my head. That diagnosis brought me to the CFD where I had the pleasure of helping college students with disabilities navigate their college experience.
2002-2019
Leadership Program Specialist with The American Youth Foundation
Shelby, Michigan
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Identified and supported students in need, to attend the National Leadership Conference
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Volunteered to serve as a mentor in a four-year leadership training program
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Delivered leadership curriculum to participants at the National Leadership Conference
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Facilitated and debriefed exercises to participants regarding social justice and team-building
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2007-2008
Special Education Mentor
California State University, Northridge, Center for Disabilities
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Helped guide college students with disabilities through enrollment, typing papers, managing stress, and all other college-related activities
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Produced targeted achievement plans for struggling students and supported implementation
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