Favorite Parts of Working in Youth Development as a Program Director
Johanna's passion for the out-of-school time field stems from the ability to "be a voice for those who can't sit at the table," empowering young people and fostering positive mentorship. This involves guiding staff to break from potentially harmful past experiences and instead provide youth with the support and validation they deserve, ultimately aiming to create "a better and better connected" next generation.
Mentorship, Youth Development, Program Management, Community Engagement, Social Impact
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
johanna masis
Director of Program Quality, Training and Assessment
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County
U of A, Tucson and UC Santa Barbara
Holy Names University, MA ESL
Humanities
Education
Operations and Project Management
Immigrant, Transfer Student, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Working in the out-of-school time field allows adults to mentor and advocate for young people who might not otherwise have a voice.
2. The field provides opportunities to create positive change in the lives of young people by providing them with a sense of belonging and support.
3. The work involves supporting and developing young staff members, empowering them to build positive relationships with children based on empathy and understanding rather than punitive approaches.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
The out-of-school time field includes before school, after school, summer programs, and intersessions. What I enjoy most is that it allows adults to be mentors and allies.
It offers a voice for those who can't sit at the table. Building this field has been my life's work. Every opportunity for a young person to be seen, acknowledged, and heard is a good day.
If we can accomplish that every day, we are doing well. Nobody likes to be dismissed or ignored. Providing these opportunities for young people makes me extremely happy.
I also enjoy supporting the staff, many of whom are between 18 and 24 years old. Sometimes they default to how they were raised, which can be punitive and rigid.
I emphasize that they should not default to their upbringing. They should treat these kids the way they wish they had been raised. Let them talk, share their feelings, and cry when they are hurt or upset.
Let them speak their peace and take time to be heard. Do all the things you didn't get to do and give that to the next generation. That's the end game: making the next generation better connected and less siloed and isolated. Being a kid is hard.