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Staff Spotlight: Erin Gutierrez, Senior Director of Programs and Advancement
Throughout Women’s History Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) has been proud to share the unique stories, perspectives, and contributions of the women across our community. From our mothers and women caregivers, to staff and Board Members, to donors and volunteers, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a remarkable network of strong female supporters who inspire us every day.
We are pleased to highlight a member of our Senior Leadership Team, Erin Gutierrez. Erin has served the BGCSF community for 15 years. Her experience spans multiple roles across the organization and provides a powerful and unique perspective on the holistic impact of BGCSF.
BA History of the Americas, University of California, Santa CruzMA Nonprofit Administration, University of San FranciscoPHD Candidate, University of San Francisco, Education in Organizational Leadership and Development.
As the Senior Director of Programs and Advancement, Erin leads the Citywide team responsible for providing holistic programmatic support to all Clubs; This includes Behavioral Health Services, Academics, Sports, Fitness & Play, and Youth Leadership & Workforce Development. Erin has worked at BGCSF for 15 years and has been in youth development for her entire career.
“I’ve always worked with youth and families. I think my career's general theme has been serving youth and families who are navigating multiple unjust and racist systems.” After nearly a decade of working with youth living in group homes, hospitalized, or incarcerated, Erin decided she wanted to work more in communities. “I was drawn to BGCSF because I enjoyed the close partnership with families and other community organizations. Youth need support from the entire village to change the systems they're up against.”
Erin has assumed multiple roles across the organization. She originally joined the organization as the Education Director at our Sunnydale Clubhouse and advanced to become the Clubhouse Director. Erin continued to grow her career within the organization, taking on additional leadership roles, including the organization-wide Director of Learning and Development.
Although Erin recognizes and appreciates the institutional knowledge gained while working within an agency for well over a decade, she credits empathy and personal connection as crucial factors to her success at BGCSF over the years. “A core part of my work is connected to my own family. In addition to working here, I’ve raised my own kids in the Club, my mom even worked for the Club at one point.”
The opportunity to fuse family and career has afforded Erin a valuable perspective. “I feel connected on a familial level. It’s not just working with other people’s kids or other people’s communities. It’s super personal. The Club is a second home to my kids. Our organizational decisions and practices directly impact my family; it’s as close as it can get for me.”
BGCSF is proud to recognize our women leaders and their powerful contributions to the strength and vibrancy of our communities. We encourage you to follow us on social media (@BGCSF) to learn more about how we celebrate women this month - and all year long.
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April is Arab American Heritage Month and I am excited to both reflect on what this month means to me personally and share how BGCSF and Camp Mendocino engage Arab youth and their families.
Throughout Women’s History Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) is proud to share the unique stories, perspectives, and contributions of the women across our community. From staff and Board Members, to donors and volunteers, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a remarkable network of strong female supporters who inspire us everyday.
