CalSAC is proud to highlight Behatriz Gonzalez and Paul Younger from CalSAC's 2020 Leadership Development Institute for Emerging Leaders of Color fellowship. Behatriz and Paul are leaders who have demonstrated unrivaled commitment to the field and drive for advanced leadership in the out-of-school time and early learning field.
Behatriz Gonzalez, California Teaching Fellows Foundation - Fresno
Behatriz Gonzalez has had over 10 years of working experience in the out-of-school-time and child development field. It started at a young age, as she assisted her mother with her License Child Care Facility. That is where she discovered her passion for working with children. That was not enough. In her last two years of high school she decided to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. She was partnered up with a 6th grade student from a local after school. There she was able to build a relationship with that one student and see the impact it made in such a little time. The possibilities were endless at the point, she could just imagine what it would be with a bigger group of students. Upon graduating she sought out a position as an ASES tutor for the Madera County Office of Education. As she had seen the value it had in her community firsthand.
In 2012, she transitioned to California Teaching Fellows Foundation, a non profit organization in the Central Valley. There she fell in love with their mission, and core values. Since then Behatriz has been able to hold multiple positions including direct services as a tutor, a site lead running an ASP program, and now a Site Liaison overseeing 25 different programs.
In her roles she has seen the tremendous amount of value and results that come when you have open dialogue,connect and build purposeful relationships with the students, families,youth, and communities.
Now with the impact COVID-19 has had in the world and in her community. Behatriz now more than ever is committed to make sure all students and families have the same access and equity for success, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Top 5 Strengths:
Includer | Woo | Discipline | Restorative | Communication
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Paul Younger, Aspire Public Schools - Los Angeles
Paul has been serving the youth of Aspire Public Schools Los Angeles region since 2011. Currently as the Regional Manager of 21st Century Programs Paul oversees all the 21st Century programs in the region, serving over 200 youth ages 5 to 15. His team of 14 across several campuses provide programming designed to provide a safe and welcoming space where youth can connect through acquiring academic support, strengthening social emotional skills and discovering new passions. In addition, Paul also provides professional development opportunities to his team of educators and department, building their capacity to serve and lead. Prior to his promotion as Regional Manager, Paul served as a Program Director for six plus years, as well as an After School Educator.
Paul’s career in youth development was inspired by his time working in a summer camp at a local youth center while attending graduate school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There Paul saw first-hand how the Director and Assistant Director of the youth center both of whom looked like him were making a positive impact on their community. From that point forward, Paul has sought out opportunities to serve others, especially youth of color.
When Paul returned from graduate school to his native home of Los Angeles he became a founding Site Coordinator for Playworks Los Angeles. A nonprofit that promotes safe and healthy play at schools. His three years of service there eventually lead him to Aspire where he has been ever since. As a life-long learner, Paul recently became a certified CalSac trainer.
In his free time, Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching/playing sports and cooking.