Amalia Woolf
Vice President of Program Services
Short Bio:
I grew up in Puerto Rico, where I also went to school for Business Administration and Management at the Universidad Adventista de las Antillas. In 1995 I moved to Carpentersville where I met my now husband of 18 years Ray. We’ve been blessed with three wonderful children Anette 17, RJ 13, and Marc 11. I truly enjoy family gatherings, cooking and dancing to some great Latin music.
What is your favorite thing about working with BGCDT?
What I enjoy most about working for BGCDT is the opportunity to be part of an organization with such passion in providing the at most positive and greatest impact possible to the youth in its community, all aside the best team of devoted people.
What is your favorite memory or moment with the Club over the years?
My favorite and most memorable moment since working with the Club over the years, I must say, was my first Youth of the Year State completion. It was at that time, as I heard the most moving speeches of true life transformations, when I realized I was part of something greater. I understood we were part of a movement which mission was transforming young lives, and we had the responsibility to lead them on a path to a better future. Hearing the impact our Club had by enabling these young people overcome devastating experiences, that others might not ever experience in their lifetime, and setting them on the road for success, made me feel extremely proud to be part of something so special.
How did you get started with BGCDT?
In 2003 as I was teaching at one of our Club sites, I was approach and asked to teach one of the BGCDT’s academic enrichment classes. It was then when I learned all about BGCA and its mission. I knew then I wanted to be part of great mission, for I would have given the world to have a Boys & Girls Club to go to when I was growing up.
If you had to pick one program, activity or event that you enjoy the most at Club, what would it be?
If I had to pick a program I have enjoyed the most it would be our SMART Girls program, a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls. There is no better feeling than witnessing our members transform into strong and confident young girls equipped with the all the necessary life skills that will help them overcome life challenges and become future leaders in the community.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Starbucks coffee!!!
What is your favorite TV show and favorite movie?
TV Show: Scandal Movie – Dirty Dancing & Erin Brockovich
Who has had the most influence on your work career?
I’d have to say that the one person who has had the greatest influence in my life including my work, it would be my mother. She taught me a young age the importance of hard work and good work ethic. She always said that we were all put on earth for the sole purpose to serve others, and the sooner I understood that, God would then place me in the right place and surround me with the right people to help fulfill that mission. This is the reason I can say that everyone has had, and continues to have an influence on my work career, from the youth we serve who continue to inspire me, to the passionate team I work with on a daily basis, and of course to the outstanding committed members of our community who serve on our board.
What is number one on your bucket list?
I must say number one on my bucket list would be to visit Spain & Italy.
