Our “Meet the Counselor” series highlights the amazing individuals who make a difference at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. Meet Makeda Stephenson, or “Jada” as she is known around the Club, our 3rd Grade Head Counselor at the Yerwood Center. She was born and raised in Stamford, CT, and has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club as a member and employee since she was a child. A recent UCONN graduate, Jada has worked at the Club for six years.
What inspired you to become a counselor at the Boys and Girls Club?
I was inspired by my experience at the Boys & Girls Club as a child and decided to see if it was the path I wanted to take for my future. I wanted to make the kids’ experience memorable and impactful like it was for me.
Tell us a little about your role here and the types of clubs or programs you are involved with.
When I started getting involved with mentoring at the Club, when I was still a member, I worked with second graders at Yerwood. From there, I was hired to work part-time and supported 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades during the pandemic. Since then, I was placed in 3rd grade and moved up to serve as the Head Counselor, coordinating the overall programming for our 3rd graders and helping to onboard new counselors to the Club. Throughout the years, I’ve supported and led programs like Healthy Habits and Smart Girls and served as a mentor in STEM.
What do you enjoy most about working with children and youth?
I enjoy interacting with the various personalities I encounter when working with kids. It’s interesting because I’ve realized over the years that I’m essentially a part of shaping who they are as they grow and mature. Whether they knew or not, my counselors played a significant role in shaping who I am today as a young adult. It’s something I hope I can do for my students as well.
What are your favorite BGCS traditions or annual events?
I think my favorite has always been Multicultural Night. I’ve participated in it through Torch Club (a leadership/service program) member and have attended as a guest, viewing the posters, explanations, performances, etc. Last summer, I created a “Rep Your Flag” party with my group, and it was extremely fun to learn about and explore our individual identities.
What is one thing that you wish more people knew about the Club?
I wish people knew how much the organization cares about our youth and how we work with parents and guardians to support our students physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s not just a place to send someone’s child for a few hours, and that’s it. The Club plays a vital role in shaping children’s early experiences, providing them with their first friendships, introducing them to adult role models and mentors, and opening doors to various opportunities.