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.
Adventure awaits with Susie Estrada (She/Her). Let’s go! Thank you, Susie, for inviting us to join your journey! We appreciate you!
Explore the Path We’ve Traveled with BOOST Ambassador, Susie Estrada (She/Her)
Susie is the School Improvement Programs and Special Education Parent Engagement Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education in Salt Lake City, UT, and is a proud BOOST Ambassador.
What is your career path journey? How did you get involved in the out-of-school time, expanded learning, and/or educational fields?
I started to work professionally with youth and children when I was seventeen as a volunteer with the Fred Jordan Mission at an overnight camp. I was fresh out of high school and on my way to college, where I was studying child and adolescent development. I worked at a transitional preschool and kindergarten that was fully inclusive while also working as a mentor with an out-of-school time program focused on gang prevention and intervention. After graduating with my Bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Psychology and Childcare Administration, I moved to Utah. I worked for a public school district in multiple capacities, but wanted to play, which is what ultimately influenced my decision to return to early childhood education and to the world of out-of-school time programming.
What part of your career path has surprised you most?
I think getting involved in policy is perhaps the most surprising, only in that I have been fortunate to meet so many inspirational people. However, it may not be surprising, because I have always had strong convictions.
Who has supported you on your journey as a mentor, colleague, or friend?
As a friend and mentor, Shannon Black is the one I credit for taking me under their wing when I first came to Utah and helping to guide and teach me, so that I could take the steps that have led me to where I am today. My husband has also made it possible for me to do so much of what I have been able to do because they worked full time while I worked part time so I could focus on school, and has been my biggest cheerleader.
What keeps you in the field?
The youth and their families. Every time I get to step away from my desk and re-engage with what really matters, I know I am exactly where I need to be.
As you continue on the journey, what areas of leadership are you developing in yourself?
I think my level of confidence in myself is always something I am developing.
What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this field?
Persistence and Resilience.
What would you recommend others pack in their “career backpack”? Why are those items important?
Some type of timer or clock to remind you that when you are done, you are DONE! Set time aside for yourself and your family. The work is so important, but it means nothing if you don’t get to enjoy your life and take care of yourself. You can’t do the work without those things.
Tell us about your BOOST adventure? When did you get started?
I love BOOST and I love Tia Quinn! I came to BOOST excited and ready to be a voice for the field, and then was let go from my job. This threw me back into self-doubt and depression in addition to a very loud inner critic that told me I was not only not good enough but not good period. BOOST gave me the community I needed that saved me.
What is the best mistake you have made in your career? What did you learn from it?
I signed up for something and jumped all in without asking enough questions or getting solid confirmation, and in writing. I learned that grace is not always granted, and when you have trauma responses to things, it is important to center yourself and to make sure all your ducks are in a row.
Today, for breakfast, I had…
A Gluten-Free Cinnamon Muffin.
Meredith White
Susie! Your comment about stepping away from the desk to re-engage with what matters was inspiring to me – a great reminder to be in person with people and program. Extending our knowledge into the experiential space is so important in keeping us grounded and connected. Thank you for sharing this wisdom and your story!
Thank you, Susie, for being a significant part of our BOOST community! Meredith
Deanna Underwood
We are so happy to have you and to be a part of your community. Also, I need to know how many dogs you have!