CalSAC is proud to highlight Alexandra (AJ) Frigillana from CalSAC's Leadership Development Institute for Emerging Leaders of Color. AJ is a leader who has demonstrated unrivaled commitment to the field and drive for advanced leadership in the out-of-school time and early learning field.
AJ Frigillana, Richmond District Neighborhood Center - San Francisco
AJ Frigillana found her passion for youth work at the age of 15, when she began her leadership journey as a camp counselor in her hometown of Long Beach, California. After graduating from the University of San Francisco, she began working as an Activity Leader for the Richmond District Neighborhood Center and instantly knew that her place was in service of the city’s youth and their families. Raised in an environment that put a strong emphasis on social justice, AJ is passionate about equitable education and creating a meaningful, intentional space where her youth can rise as agents of change.
AJ is currently the Multicultural Programs Coordinator for the Richmond District Neighborhood Center of San Francisco. She oversees identity-based programming, comprised of 10 different programs, at George Washington High School, Roosevelt Middle School, and Presidio Middle School. This summer, she launched the Leaders of Color In-Training (LOCIT) Program, a 7-week internship for rising 10th-12th graders, focused on the development of life-long leadership skills through a social justice lens, critical consciousness, and the empowerment of young people of color. She is proud to say that the summer’s cohort of 12 participants worked to create Participatory Action Research projects based on issues they saw in their communities and presented them to the Youth Leadership Institute. Working with high school youth and being able to support and witness their growth through life’s journey is easily one of AJ’s greatest joys. If you were to ask her to identify one of her proudest moments as a youth worker, she would reveal that she will be welcoming one of her former youth participants, as they transition into an Activity Leader focused on Multicultural enrichments, to her team this upcoming school year.
AJ currently resides in San Francisco, California. In her spare time, she enjoys watching documentaries, keeping up on the latest hip-hop album releases, and watching for the latest sneaker and streetwear drops. AJ is so grateful to be part of the 2017-2018 LDI Cohort and cherishes how transformative the program is.