Wrapping Up 2024 - A Letter from Our Executive Director

Possibility. It’s more than just a word. It’s a mindset.

One of the key aspects of Elevate Youth is our mission to help change the narrative our young people experience. Many young people in our communities are surrounded by messages of limitation, whether it’s due to socioeconomic status, access to resources, or other systems of inequalities. These messages can shape beliefs about what’s possible for them and their futures.

However, when we focus on the power of possibility, we change these narratives to stories of growth, resilience, and togetherness.  

When I was around age 13, I backed out of a backpacking trip because I thought girls didn’t belong in the woods. An adult told me I would be chased by bears and put the whole group at risk! While it was just a beginner backpacking trip, it could have been a formative experience to increase my sense of belonging in nature, sense of accomplishment in overcoming challenges, and self-reliance. Instead, my self-esteem and confidence were lowered, making it challenging to express myself to instructors, peers, and even my family. Growing up in Boston as a young Black girl in a middle-class family, I experienced some privileges, yet these messages of limitations impacted my voice and what I thought was possible.

Now, whenever I see Elevate Youth students speaking up for themselves, jumping into new experiences, asking thoughtful questions, and debating ideas and facts, I’m inspired by their ability to advocate for what’s right. It makes me wish Elevate Youth was around when I was younger so I could embrace my own possibilities instead of my limitations.

Later in my journey, I decided to become a teacher to support young people in feeling a sense of agency, but after about ten years, I felt stuck in my career. While I loved getting to know students and families, planning lessons and facilitating light bulb moments, I wanted to share my passion for nature and to have a wider, more unique impact in our community. How could I create more big smile moments that last beyond the school day? How could I support young people with being leaders in their neighborhoods?

I looked to the outdoor industry, but I didn’t see many leaders who looked like me. It’s as if I were 13 years-old again, facing barriers that signaled I did not belong.

Fortunately, I had a mentor, an outstanding educator, who helped me realize that this was an opportunity to be the representation that we need to see. Because of her support, guidance, and encouragement, I joined the board of directors at Elevate Youth, and later pursued the Executive Director role. Embracing possibility helped me get rid of the ‘should haves, would haves and could haves’ and allowed me to focus on what can be. 

The past six months have been full of opportunities that Elevate Youth is celebrating as the year comes to a close. We’ve implemented several new opportunities for our youth and families to deepen their connection with the outdoors. We have continued our In-School Model, launched in 2023, where our Outdoor Instructors support learning and activities during the school day in addition to our weekly after school programming. EY has also hosted family outings with the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester for the first time, with plans for several family ‘learn to ski’ days in 2025. EY was even lucky enough to partner with the Friends of the Blue Hills to pioneer open to the public fishing days which reached more than 200 people. EY is constantly dreaming bigger and imagining what else is possible for our young people of Boston!

My favorite days as Elevate Youth’s Executive Director have been those where I’m able to get outside sailing, cooking, and hiking with students to feel refreshed and inspired. Whether it’s joining us to volunteer or donating to our programs, when you support EY, it’s a chance to see that the possibilities are endless. 

By investing in youth and reminding them that they have the power to shape their futures, we are investing in our communities, our economies, and our world. When they have the chance to dream, explore and discover, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. As I look at the possibilities the next six months will bring, I’m keeping the mindset that the power of possibility is in our hands - let’s help young people reach for it.