“I hope to continue to make a difference and inspire the youth and even my peers to continue to give back to the Club. I also hope that my volunteer efforts contribute to the Club being around for another 130 years.”
– Neandra Fernandes, BGCB’s 2024 Alumni Volunteer of the Year
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are recognizing our volunteers of the year for their service throughout 2023.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is incredibly excited to announce that Neandra Fernandes has been named 2024 Alumni Volunteer of the Year. Neandra’s story starts as a 6-year-old member at Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club, a place she still considers to be a home away from home.
Neandra looks back on her Club days as a highlight of her childhood, and also instrumental to the successful career she is enjoying now as a Client Services Associate at MFS Investments. She remains focused on giving back to the Club as a volunteer, and helping forge pathways to success for the next generation of leaders coming up through the Club.
Learn more about Neandra and how she is giving back to Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston as an alumni volunteer in the below interview.
Get to know Neandra Fernandes, BGCB's 2024 Alumni Volunteer of the Year:
Neandra Fernandes, BGCB’s 2024 Alumni Volunteer of the Year
Which Club did you attend and how would you describe your experience?
I attended Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club. The Club was and still is a second home to me. My experience was amazing. I met my mentors, made lifelong friends, and was exposed to so many opportunities that I would not have received if it weren’t for the Club. Not only was the Club a place of fun but it also challenged me and expanded my horizons at such a young age. My Club days were definitely a highlight of my childhood.
Who was a role model you had at the Club who you looked up to?
My role model at the Club would have to be Carl Thompson. I have known Carl since I was 6 years old when he was working as the athletic director. To see him now as the Executive Director, continuing to make the Club a space for so many kids is truly inspiring. Almost 20 years later, he continues to push me and support me in all my endeavors, and I know he is someone I can always count on.
What has inspired me to stay involved with the Club as a volunteer?
I would say all of the great staff that I came across during my time at the Club. They made my experience unforgettable, and I want to be able to continue that for the members now in any way that I can.
What do you hope to achieve through your time and effort as a volunteer at the Club?
I hope to continue to make a difference and inspire the youth and even my peers to continue to give back to the Club. I also hope that my volunteer efforts contribute to the Club being around for another 130 years.
What does a typical day of volunteering look like for you?
It looks like gathering people who may have a connection or no connection at all to the Clubs but giving their all to the activity with smiles and laughs. It is a day of excitement and joy and looking forward to our next volunteer activity.
What has been your top highlight from this past year as a volunteer?
My top highlight was being able to create a mentorship program at MFS and bring volunteers to the Ready to Work sessions at Blue Hill Club. Ready to Work changed the entire trajectory of my life and being able to now speak to teens who are looking to take their work experience to the next level while exposing them to an industry that can seem intimidating was truly amazing.
