Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County recognizes one staff member with the Doing It Wright award.
This award is named in honor of Kathi Wright. Kathi helped to create the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County’s first Club and held the role of Executive Director for more than 18 years. Kathi was known for her leadership, positivity, and dedication to BGCLC; therefore, this award is given each year to a staff member who exemplifies those traits. Congrats to this year’s recipient, Molly Strader, Assistant Director at Fort Collins Club!
How did you feel when you found out you received this recognition?
I am honored to have received this recognition. I remember previous years where my mentors were awarded, and I imagined how I might feel to be in that position some day. I am very proud of the hard work I have done over the years to earn this accolade.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey with Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County? How long have you worked here? How did you get started? What made you want to work here? What about the mission called to you?
I started working at Boys & Girls Club 3 and a half years ago. I started out as a Program Coordinator at the Fort Collins Club. After I graduated with a degree in dance, I worked a desk job, which left me hoping to incorporate more creativity and movement into my career. Little did I know how creative and active I was going to get to be! Over the past 3.5 years, I have committed myself to cultivating an environment that is safe and welcoming for all and creating new opportunities for our members to learn and grow.
What do you love most about your job? What does working with young people mean to you personally?
My favorite part of working at Boys & Girls Club is getting to help members gain tools for success; I also get to try new things every day! I learn so much from the people around me, youth and adults alike. Working with young people reminds me why it matters to get up and try every day; it brings me so much joy to help the kids in our community feel safe, seen, heard, and confident.
Is there a particular moment or memory at the Club that stands out to you as especially meaningful?
So many moments at Club have held great meaning for me, but I will never forget helping one of our members who struggled a lot during the summers prepare for and have a super successful summer!
How has working at the Club impacted you personally or professionally? What have you learned over the years?
Working at Club has helped me grow immensely in both my personal and professional life. I have had countless opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone to learn and grow. The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is: I CAN.
What have you learned from your team or staff members you lead?
I have learned so much from each individual I have interacted with over the years. I appreciate and recognize that every person you meet in your life has a valuable lesson to teach you. The greatest lesson I have learned from our staff is: kindness matters!
What do youth take away from their time at the Club? What impact do you hope to leave on youth that they will remember?
I hope that our youth leave Club knowing they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. I want them to remember they are capable and it’s ok to make mistakes; what matters is how you learn, grow, and move forward.