Inspire Youth. Inspire Learning. Inspire Change.
In and out-of-school time leaders take unique pathways on their experiential journeys, and these journeys are worth spotlighting! Turning to our field specialists, TEAMBOOST is proud to feature their stories centered in Career Inspiration and Insights. Our third feature is BOOST Leadership Team Member, Melissa Perez (she/her).
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your story with the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Career Insights and Inspiration with Melissa Perez (she/her)
Melissa is a proud BOOST Leadership Team Member and Manager of Policy & Outreach for California AfterSchool Network in Santa Ana, CA.
How did you get into the out-of-school time, expanded learning, or educational field?
My first job, while a senior in High School, was at an extended day childcare program at the private school at my church. I was so sad to resign when I graduated from High School, not knowing what my college schedule would be. Little did I know, I would be back working in an OST program at my local school district. I fell in love with it and worked there for 17 years!
A day in the life – what does your day-to-day schedule look like?
I work remotely and I sometimes travel, so not every day is the same. I typically kick off my day with morning prayer and meditation. I prep. some breakfast goodies and get settled in my home office. I’m in virtual meetings or working on projects throughout the day. If it’s a sunny day, I’ll work outdoors or at a local coffee shop for a change in scenery. After my workday ends, I might go for a walk, prep. dinner, hang with family, do chores, or engage in my latest hobby, chunky knitting. No matter the time of day, music is likely playing in the background from either my phone, laptop, or record player.
What time of your program year do you look forward to the most?
My team and I all work remotely and so any “in-person” time we have together is exciting for me. A few highlights throughout the year are in February when we host the Site Coordinator Symposium, in April/May for BOOST in beautiful Palm Springs, in June we have our annual team retreat, and in October for Fall team time.
How has support and/or leadership from others helped you get to where you are now in your career?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my community of family, friends, colleagues, and networks. My elders, ancestors, the beautifully strong women in my life, and lastly, my faith are all pillars that provided sources of strength, love and encouragement, cheering and guiding me throughout life. A few other folks include my former Fullerton ASES team and my current CAN Team have all supported me in the peaks and valleys of my career. Shout out to my Director, Heather Williams, who is a phenomenal leader and one who I get to work with and learn from daily. Lastly, my former experience working in a school district for 15+ years, I had my fair share of working with school and district leaders – some were great, and some helped me learn about the kind of leader I did not want to be.
Tell us about a goal you have for this school year. How will you know that you have accomplished it?
A goal for this year is to become a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. Once I have completed it, I will be able to coach myself, my team, and colleagues in using their strengths to support their work and projects.
What motivates you to do this work?
My nieces and nephews motivate me to do this work, along with the youth and families in my community. I strive to make an impact in communities so that children, youth, and families have resources, support and opportunities to be whatever they want to be.
What is one of the highlights of your career? Why?
Joining the BOOST Leadership Team 8 years ago was one of the highlights of my career. Serving the OST community to Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change is an honor.
What’s the biggest mistake you made on the job and what did you learn from it?
I am the oldest sibling and achiever is one of my top strengths. For many years I made the mistake of thinking I can do it all – without help. And shocker, I can’t. Learning to ask for help is something we all can benefit from, no matter what part of our leadership journey we’re on. We are not meant to work alone or in silos, especially in OST. It is also not healthy for our overall mental health & wellness.
What is the biggest challenge facing your program today?
I don’t work in a program per se; however, as a staff member of a state AfterSchool Network, two of the biggest challenges facing our OST field are, 1) the threat of dismantling the Department of Education and 2) budget cuts to youth-serving programs and organizations.
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? How did this person impact your life?
Monique Bosse, my former boss, colleague, and one of my best friends, mentored me (in work and life) and took me under her wing while working at our former school district. Monique and I made an incredible team, and I learned so much from her. She also introduced me to my now husband, so yeah, a gem in my world.
Meredith White, my BOOST Bestie. We both joined the BOOST Leadership Team the same year and worked in former similar roles. We related in so many ways, as professionals, leaders, learners and more importantly, as friends and daughters. She has supported me in countless ways, and I admire her incredible leadership.
Charity Peal, my sister in Compassionate Systems, who is the principal of Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School (NESS) in British Columbia, and is of Nisg̱a’a and Kwakiutl descent. Charity is the epitome of leadership while also embracing community, culture, and love in education.
Today for breakfast I had…
A Chorizo and Spinach Breakfast Burrito and Green Juice.