For Lorena, our Youth of the Year Runner Up, the Club is a place that encourages her to embrace her identity, helped her build skills from sports to literacy, and empowers her to take on leadership roles.
Embracing Culture, Building Connections
Our Clubs create opportunities for kids to connect, embrace, and share their cultures. For Lorena, that connection first came through food.
“My mom made a traditional dish—grape leaves stuffed with rice and beef—and everyone loved it,” she said. “That day changed everything. More kids started talking to me, and for the first time, I wasn’t ashamed of being Middle Eastern. That moment of acceptance was all thanks to the Boys & Girls Club.”
This sense of belonging is an important part of the Club experience. We build inclusion into all we do.
Leadership in Action
Lorena joined the Club soccer team at eight years old, where she learned perseverance. “My coaches taught me to always get up when you fall—both literally and metaphorically,” she says. Now, as a coach for the Coptic League soccer team, she mentors young players, fostering the same resilience and camaraderie that shaped her.
Her leadership extends beyond the field. As a Leader in Training (LIT), Lorena supports younger Club members, contributing to an inclusive and welcoming environment. She’s a leader at her school, too.
“With encouragement from the Club, I helped establish the MENA Club at my school—a space where Middle Eastern and North African students could celebrate their heritage, share their experiences, and advocate for representation,” Lorena shared.
“This club isn’t just about culture,” she explained. “It’s about making sure students feel valued and empowered.”
A Future of Impact and Advocacy
Today, Lorena is a dedicated leader, advocate, and mentor. Her journey is defined by her ability to build connections, uplift others, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Her commitment to leadership and inclusion will serve her throughout her life.
“The Boys & Girls Club has played a crucial role in shaping me into a compassionate and responsible individual, and I am grateful for every opportunity it has given me to learn, grow, and give back,” she said.
We are honored to be part of Lorena’s story!
Your support helps create opportunities for young people like Lorena. When you invest in our work, you help kids and teens build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create meaningful change in their communities. Join us in celebrating and empowering the next generation of leaders by making a donation now.
