“This initiative offers invaluable pre-college experiences, mentorship, academic support, certifications, and workshops. As a BGCB alumna, serving as a consultant for this project is deeply fulfilling, given the profound impact the organization had on providing me with life changing experiences and support throughout my time at the Clubs.”
– Amber Reese, Youth Programs Consultant, Yawkey Club of Roxbury alumna
Alongside the addition of Ed Powell, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) has tapped a strategic consultant, Amber Reese, to lead the expansion of its workforce readiness programs. Amber, who attended Yawkey Club of Roxbury, will focus primarily on developing programs and opportunities in the healthcare sector, where she will be building partnerships with universities, and healthcare professionals throughout greater Boston’s expansive healthcare landscape.
“Amber brings a unique perspective into this work. As an alumna of one of our Clubs who participated in its leadership pipeline, she knows first-hand where the greatest opportunities exist to improve and expand our work in this space,” explains Andrea Swain, BGCB’s Chief Impact Officer.
Cultivating Community Connections
Motivated by a passion for creating meaningful programming and experiences, Amber leverages her proficiency in project management, digital communication, and problem-solving to cultivate impactful connections between organizations and the communities they serve.
Having managed diverse projects in Boston and Atlanta, Amber excels in coordinating programming and experiences that enhance brand mission visibility and implementing innovative program models that yield tangible results and long-term sustainability.
Amber Reese, strategic consultant hired to expand BGCB’s workforce readiness programs in the healthcare sector
“Empowering youth with essential skills and insights into the healthcare sector, this project holds significant importance,” explained Reese. “Witnessing BGCB members flourish through Pathways, The Bridge to Healthcare Careers, is a source of great anticipation for me. This initiative offers invaluable pre-college experiences, mentorship, academic support, certifications, and workshops. As a BGCB alumna, serving as a consultant for this project is deeply fulfilling, given the profound impact the organization had on providing me with life changing experiences and support throughout my time at the Club.”
Her early professional roles as an intern at Massachusetts Financial Services and United Bank of Switzerland expanded her proficiency in client relations and financial planning, refining her skills in budgeting, resource allocation, and making strategic financial decisions to optimize project outcomes.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Amber is committed to serving her community. She volunteers with John D’O Bryant Girl Scouts, Yawkey Club of Roxbury, and Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center. Amber is a proud graduate of Spelman College with a B.A. in International Studies, which has equipped her with a global perspective, and a strong foundation for project development and impact.
Amber Reese with Charlestown Club teens and staff
Creating Career Pathways
BGCB’s vision is for all young people to complete high school at grade level in reading, writing, and math, and graduate with a defined post-Club plan. Ready to Work, BGCB’s workforce readiness initiative, connects Club teens with valuable opportunities to build their own robust post-Club plan by participating in SAT prep courses, college tours, professional skill building activities, and internships with major employers throughout Boston and Chelsea.
Amber has been forging partnerships with healthcare organizations like Tufts University, Northeastern University, and Harvard Medical to provide youth with paid pre-college experiences this summer and enrichment programs with partners Let’s Get Ready and Kaplan. She will be hosting health professional career spotlight panels, trainings, workshops, and offer networking and mentorship opportunities.
Amber has been traveling to each of BGCB’s site over the past few weeks introducing an expansive list of programs and opportunities, including:
Internship Opportunities: Hosted by major healthcare employers throughout greater Boston, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Pre-College Experiences: Providing Club teens with unique opportunities to spend 1-3 weeks during the summer at one of Boston’s best colleges gaining hands-on clinical experiences and taking field trips.
Certificate Programs: CPR/AED/First Aid Certification, CNA/Nurses Aid Certification, Animal Tech Certification, Pharmacy Technician Certification, Patient Care Technician.
Workshops: Nutrition Workshop and Healthy Cooking, Dermatology and Skincare for Teens, Psychology Speaker Series, Sports Medicine: An Afternoon with an Athlete Trainer, Health Careers 101: Introduction to Health Careers.
Academic Tutoring: Offering small group tutoring, and SAT Prep with Partners Kaplan and Let’s Get Ready.
