Julia Mabry

I’ve always had a passion for working with kids; it’s something I’ve been drawn to for as long as I can remember. I began working in after-school programs when I first started college, and I’ve now been in this field for about two and a half to three years. About a year and eight months ago, I joined the Boys & Girls Club, and eight months ago I was promoted to Senior Group Leader. In my current role, I support and oversee staff by ensuring responsibilities are being met and helping manage student behavior when challenges arise. When staff encounter difficult situations, I step in to assist and guide them. One of my main goals is to empower the staff. I don’t want to be seen as the “bad guy” by the kids, but rather as a resource who helps staff build confidence and authority in their roles. A big part of what I do is simply building relationships. I take the time to talk with the kids, understand them, and build trust. I’ve found that those connections make a meaningful difference in how they respond and grow. When I first joined the organization, I didn’t necessarily see myself staying long-term or advancing, but that quickly changed. I genuinely love the work we do. As a nonprofit, our mission is centered on giving back to the community, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in. The Boys & Girls Club is widely respected, and I feel that appreciation from the community we serve. I believe that respect comes from the impact of our programming. We focus on promoting healthy habits through activities like cooking classes that teach kids about nutrition, along with outdoor recreation that keeps them active and engaged. We also offer leadership opportunities through programs like Torch Club, which is similar to student government but tailored to our environment. We provide experiences that many of our youth might not otherwise have access to. We organize outdoor field trips like hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Recently, we took a group of kids to a San Diego soccer game, which was a really special experience. They were able to attend at no cost, with meals included, something that, for many of them, would not have been possible otherwise. Moments like that really highlight the impact of what we do.