AZYouthforce Staff
Samantha Hansen
Director of Workforce Development & Career Pathways
Samantha.Hansen@bgcaz.org
Hi, I'm Samantha! I am an ASU graduate with a BA in Education. I started my career in workforce in 2003 as a case manager for adults and young adults. In 2007 I had the opportunity to lead a youth workforce program and I loved it. I love helping teens find their passion and reach their potential.
Josh Stine
Employer Partners
Josh.Stine@bgcaz.org
Hi, I'm Josh! I am an Arizona State University Alumnus! I serve as Vice President of External Affairs & Business Partnerships for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ). Before joining BGCAZ's administrative team in 2016, I worked directly with Club youth and families as the Unit Director at one of BGCAZ's 31 Valley-wide locations
Paul LaBate
AZ Youthforce Business Developer
Hey, I'm Paul! I joined AZYouthforce as a Business Developer after spending the last two years in the organization as an Area Director. I have worked in the non-profit sector and education for the past 18 years. I hope to bring an array of expertise, professionalism, integrity, and passion to the AZYouthforce team and really treasure seeing young people succeed!
Kara Holmes
Teen Outreach Coordinator
My name is Kara Holmes and I have been in youth development for over 12 years now. After spending most of this time in the club working with members from kindergarten-high school, I am looking forward to guiding our older members into the next part of their lives: the workforce. Instilling the importance of a great work ethic, responsibility, and accountability is so important and I am excited to be a part of AZYouthforce that does just that!
Kevin Chavez
Program Manager Trainer
My name is Kevin Chavez I am a GCU ALUMNI and I am thrilled to embark on this journey of guiding and empowering young individuals. With a decade of experience working with youth and teens, I have witnessed the incredible transformations that can occur when young minds are provided with the right guidance, support, and opportunities. My primary objective is to ensure that all future leaders who cross my path have the tools and skills necessary to thrive and succeed in their endeavors.
Derrick Crawley
Lead Case Manager
My name is Derrick Crawley I am a club kid originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I love working with AZYouthforce because not only do I get to help prepare the next generations for the workforce and their futures. I also get to give back and be of service to the organization that changed my life and gave me a place I felt I belonged.
Alica Moreno
Case Manager
Hi, I'm Alica! I was a club kid myself and once I aged out of the program, I knew I wanted to become a mentor like those who have mentored me so as soon as I turned 18, I applied to work with Boys & Girls Club. I am now at AZYouthforce and I love it because we get the opportunity to mentor teens and guide them to answer the big question anyone as a teen has been asked before and that is " What is your plan after graduation?". We help place them in an internship that interests them the most and continue helping them and provide resources once they become an AZYF Alumni.
Ebonee Robinson
Case Manager
My name is Ebonee Robinson and I am an ASU graduate with a BS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. I first got my start in youth development as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club in 2018. I have since worked with youth in many different capacities and found that I love working with teens the most. Being able to watch teens grow their skillset and flourish as they approach adulthood is my way of giving back and I am grateful that this is my career path.
Marisa Serrano
Group Internship Case Manager
My name is Marisa and I have known about AZYouthforce for over a year and have seen what it is about during my time at the Footprint Center. I love what it stands for and am very exited to help make an impact for the youth, I love to see growth in everyone and give guidance. I want to support the youth so they can build confidence and inspire them to chase after all their goals. It is important for the youth to believe in themselves and unleash the potential they have within. My aspiration truly is to help set the youth on a good path so they can have bright and happy lives in their futures.
Elmer Valtierra
Lead Group Case Manager
Hey, I'm Elmer! I enjoy being a part of the AZYF team because I can provide opportunities for teens all over the Valley. I didn't have I had when I was a club member, such as the current internships and partnerships and continuing to mentor teens.
Ethan Vander Kamp
Case Manager
Hi, I'm Ethan and I'm a club kid and L.I.T from the Thunderbirds Branch in Guadalupe. I've been with Boys & Girls Club of the Valley for nearly four years and found my passion working with teens. Working with AZYouthforce aligns perfectly with my passion and gives me the opportunity to transition teens into the workforce. I look forward to opening career paths for teen interns and expanding the Emerging Leaders program.
AZYouthforce Ambassadors
Nate Altaee
AZYF Ambassador
Hey, I'm Nate! I went to Maryvale High School and I’m currently at Phoenix College. I joined the AZYF Jiffy Lube internship back in 2020 for a few weeks then decided to try footprint center internship since I love the Phoenix Suns. My experience there led me to stay on as a part-time employee as a GSR. I wanted to become an Ambassador to help AZYF because they helped me and I love to help people!
Amera Ali
AZYF Ambassador
Hello, my name is Amera! I recently moved to Arizona from Louisiana and I’m an AZYouthforce Ambassador. I have been part of AZYouthforce since August 2024 and completed an internship as a lab tech assistant. My career aspirations include going into the medical field, specifically radiology. The Boys and Girls Clubs has provided me with numerous opportunities to connect with others and build meaningful relationships, enhancing my skills as a people person. Through various activities and programs, I’ve been able to develop my leadership abilities and give back to the community. I am excited to be an ambassador and branch out!
Lily Bethay
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I’m Lily! I’m from Scottsdale, Arizona, and I’m an AZYouthforce Ambassador. I joined the organization in the Summer of 2024 as a Bank of America Student Leader, working as an intern at the Robson Branch. Through my internship program, I discovered my passion for youth development and aiding youth in acquiring academic and career development opportunities. Learning about the mission of AZYouthforce, I knew I wanted to stay involved after my internship to help other teens gain the same experience. I’m currently a Senior at Notre Dame Preparatory and hope to pursue a degree in International Relations and Economics in college!
Denver Bryant
AZYF Ambassador
Hi there! My name is Denver Bryant, and I am an AZYouthforce Ambassador. I joined the program in the Summer of 2023 and became an intern for Bank Of America as a Digital Ambassador. As someone who went through the program, my internship was a way for me to learn about the banking industry, grow as a person, and apply the teachings to my everyday life. Now as an AZ Youthforce Ambassador, I want to be that same guide for future interns going through the same process I did. Currently, I am studying at Arizona State University, majoring in Film & Media Production to become a professional video editor.
Jhovanna Cova
AZYF Ambassador
My name is Jhovanna Cova, a dedicated Student Entrepreneur pursuing a certificate in Small Business Management & Bookkeeping at Glendale Community College. I am the Owner and a House Cleaner at Jasmine's House Cleaning LLC. I have a passion for volunteering in my spare time, staying fit by going to the gym, and nurturing my spiritual life through prayer and reading my Bible. One of my notable achievements includes winning the 2nd cohort of the Entrepreneurship program at AZYouthforce. I am committed to personal growth and entrepreneurial success, always striving to make a positive impact in my endeavors.
Timanie Hennesy
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I'm Timanie, and I'm a Bank of America Alumna! I participated in their internship in 2022 and graduated High school in May 2022. I'm currently working on my own business as a travel agent and most recently joined AZYouthforce as an Ambassador! I want to continue to learn more leadership skills and be able to share my experience with other teens.
Nick Larrain
AZYF Ambassador
My name is Nick; I'm from Phoenix, Arizona, and I'm an AZYouthforce Ambassador. I am currently a senior at Brophy College Preparatory and I would like to major in finance in college. I was introduced to AZYouthforce this past summer through the Bank of America Student Leaders Program, where I worked at the North Tempe Branch for the Boys and Girls Club. After serving at the Boys and Girls Club this summer, I found that I had a passion for working with youth. After finishing my internship this summer, I realized that I still wanted to work on youth development, so I reached out to AZYouthforce for the position. Through this position, I am excited to learn more leadership skills and help youth in the valley.
Jacqueline Lerma
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I'm Jackie, and I was an intern at Footprint Arena in 2020. I completed my internship there in 2021 and became a part-time employee as a dispatcher and stayed with the company for a little over six months. Then I moved to a full-time position with another company as I continued my education at ASU.
Ruby Luviano-Gonzalez
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I'm Ruby, and I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I attended the Robson club as a kid and learned about all the great opportunities the club had to offer. I went on to complete the Bank of America internship in the summer of 2022. After this enriching experience, I has took the next step and became an AZYouthforce Ambassador. I'm currently pursuing my education at Arizona State University studying criminology!
Janneth Martinez
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I'm Janneth, and I was a part of the first cohort when the program started in 2019. I got started with my internship at the Footprint Arena and later joined Taco Bell during the summer. I'm on track to graduate from ASU in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Business and Psychology. I'm currently pursuing my career with non-profit organizations!
Roberto Moreno
AZYF Ambassador
My name is Roberto Moreno and I am a Junior Ambassador. I started out as an intern for Bank of America through the AZYouthforce program and It changed my life. I will graduate from GCU April 2024 with a BA in Business Administration. In a world filled with chaos, our youth need role models to help mentor and guide them through it. I’m honored to be able to provide them opportunities and impact the next generation of leaders.
Vivian Pelayo
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I'm Vivian, and I've been an ambassador for AZYF for the past year! Since joining the team, I have learned the many different qualities that AZYF holds. My favorite thing to do is visit our youth interns and photograph them in their internship positions. I started out as a Bank of America intern and have advanced within our organization ever since!
Cesar Soberanes
AZYF Ambassador
Hey, I'm Cesar! I was an intern at Footprint Arena in 2020, and now I'm part of their ticketing team while attending Phoenix College for my AA degree. After I graduate, I want to transfer to ASU. I love to engage in any way I can by sharing my journey with incoming Footprint interns or referring new teens. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and the preparation AZYouthforce provided me!
Fabiola Villa
AZYF Ambassador
Hi, I'm Fabiola, and I was an intern at Footprint Arena in 2020! Now, I'm a part time employee and a full-time student at ASU studying Psychology. I became an Ambassador in 2020/2021. I love going to community events and sharing my story with future AZYouthforce interns. I also participated in the Old Navy seasonal program and worked there for over two years. I'm so grateful to AZYouthforce because of the many meaningful skills I've learned!