Life is an Adventure. Let’s Explore the Journey Together!
In education and expanded learning, we often take the path less traveled – the unpaved trail that leads to exploration and adventure! The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is excited to spotlight the journeys of the BOOST Leadership and BOOST Ambassador teams in the Fall 2025 Collaborative Blog Series – Share Your Career Journey: Explore the Path We’ve Traveled. Thank you to these important BOOST partners for adventuring into the unknown for the betterment of our youth and communities.
The adventure continues with Erica Cardoso. Thank you, Erica, for inviting us to join your journey! We appreciate you!
Explore the Path We’ve Traveled with BOOST Leadership Team Member, Erica Cardoso
Erica is the Risk Management Associate for Think Together in Santa Ana, CA, and a proud member of the BOOST Leadership Team.
What is your career path journey? How did you get involved in the out-of-school time, expanded learning, and/or educational field?
I’ve been in out-of-school time for 20+ years! I started off while I was in college, supporting an after-school program part-time. Once I graduated, I was hired at Think Together as a Site Coordinator. My goal was always to be a teacher, but after-school captured my heart and well…the rest is history!
What part of your career path has surprised you most?
My ability to adapt to the different roles I’ve had. I’ve held training, data, and supervisory roles, and I’ve always adapted well. Every position I’ve held was a new one to the organization, and I helped build the role.
Who has supported you on your journey as a mentor, colleague, or friend?
So many along the way! I’m going to have to call out my current supervisor because she has been a solid force in my journey – even when she wasn’t my supervisor!
What keeps you in the field?
The kiddos! Always the kiddos! I won’t sugarcoat…some days are hard. But then you see the results of your efforts, and it just brings you back to why you are where you are.
As you continue on the journey, what areas of leadership are you developing in yourself?
I’ve always taken on many hats, had lots on my plate, and the attitude of “no worries, I got it”. I’m really trying to expand my delegating, coaching, and creating space for others who do it differently but achieve the same results I desire. I’m learning to let go in my leadership.
What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this field?
Adaptability & Patience.
What would you recommend others pack in their “career backpack”? Why are those items important?
Pack the “what more can I do?” card – because you can’t limit yourself. Expand beyond what you think your limit is, and you may just surprise yourself!
Tell us about your BOOST adventure? When did you get started?
I believe this is my 4th or 5th year with BOOST, and every year just thrives! My first BOOST was virtual…yes! But even virtual BOOST got my attention!
What is the best mistake you have made in your career? What did you learn from it?
Leaving my comfort zone and applying for a position that was brand new to the organization that I had no knowledge or experience in. That one decision (not necessarily a mistake) gave me the confidence to get uncomfortable…because that’s when growth thrives!
Today, for breakfast, I had…
Iced Coffee.
Erica, from all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you for inviting us to explore the path you’ve traveled and journey alongside you. We are excited to see where the adventure will lead as you INSPIRE YOUTH, INSPIRE LEARNING, and INSPIRE CHANGE.
Meredith White
Thank you, Erica, for the “wig-wearing, bead-giving, tutu-sporting” charisma you bring to the BOOST Leadership Team year after year! Your heart always lights up the room, and your can-do attitude makes a tremendous impact. Grateful for your leadership – grateful for you! Meredith
Deanna Underwood
Discomfort… “because that’s when growth thrives!” I love this, Erica!