Meet the Preschool Alum: Jesse Cadena
July 13, 2026Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part… Continue Reading
Tag: Alumni
Meet the Preschool Alum: Jesse Cadena
Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part of his vocabulary. Over his 18 years with KidWorks, Jesse’s gotten more comfortable with the idea—thanks to the support of a special staff member!
Outreach efforts brought Jesse to KidWorks in 2008. The Cadena household received a letter via mail informing them of opportunities for early childhood education at our Dan Donahue Center (DDC). Located walking distance from DDC, Jesse’s parents chose to enroll him in preschool at KidWorks.
Jesse Cadena enjoying his time at KidWorks’ Preschool in 2009!
Jesse and his mom had an easy commute; they walked over to the preschool’s lively classroom each morning. But navigating school wasn’t the easiest for Jesse.
Learning was often a solo experience—one-on-one math drills with his father at home. Preschool, on the other hand, urged Jesse to learn alongside his classmates and share new experiences.
Idalia Galdamez, Preschool Director, worked with Jesse to deepen his relationships with peers and encourage his academic prowess in the classroom.
“I was Jesse’s lead teacher and the site supervisor at KidWorks when he attended preschool. Jesse had lot of potential to be a leader. He loved to help organize around the classroom and guide other students, despite being a bit shy. His peers followed, as he was everyone’s most liked friend. By the end of the year in 2009, Jesse was also a whiz at math and the top of the class. He knew all his colors, shapes, letters and identified 101 numbers without error. Jesse truly excelled in everything he did!”
Idalia Galdamez, preschool Director
With Idalia’s guidance, Jesse created lasting memories during his time in preschool. One, however, stands out above the rest.
Preschool graduation was Jesse’s first academic milestone, an achievement he shared with the two most important people in his life. Both of his parents were present as he walked across the stage in his blue robes. Jesse’s father even took a day off from work to attend—a rare occurrence in the Cadena household and one Jesse fondly remembers.
On that special day, Jesse recalls feeling celebrated and encouraged to pursue his dreams for the first time. This support motivated him to excel throughout his K-12 education.
“Going to preschool at KidWorks gave me a headstart when I started going to school. I was ahead of other kids when it came to my academics and most importantly, I was excited to learn.”
Jesse smiles holding a baby chick — one of his many fun experiences at KidWorks!
Jesse was an honors student throughout elementary and middle school. However, social dynamics at school grew more complicated each year. Soon the throes of Jesse’s pre-teen years became impossible to ignore.
He knew he needed a support system, but Jesse didn’t know where to start his search. That was until 7th grade, when he met a special staff member at KidWorks that changed his life for the better.
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, extended her support to Jesse soon after joining the KidWorks team in 2015. With her bubbly personality and commitment to ensuring student success, Rachel provided a safe space for Jesse to share his day-to-day anxieties.
“When I met Jesse as a quiet, thoughtful seventh grader, I knew building trust would take time. At the time, I was a young Program Assistant in the Afterschool program learning how to support students. Jesse taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: the power of consistent presence. Year after year, in different capacities, I have had the privilege of walking alongside him, and I’m so grateful that our relationship has continued long after he graduated from KidWorks. Jesse has become an incredible young man. He has shaped the way I care for others and continues to remind me why relationships matter so deeply.”
Rachel cervantes, volunteer manager
Rachel and Jesse have built an unshakable trust in one another—something that allows them to tackle difficult topics, such as mental health, interpersonal relationships, and academics.
“Rachel is like a mother figure to me. Even after graduating from KidWorks in 2022, she’s kept in touch with me and provided essential support. Even after long periods of not talking, Rachel makes sure to ask how I’m doing. I know she’ll always be in my life.”
Jesse is now a Quality Controller at Oakley with dreams of retiring his dad before he reaches his 67th birthday—there’s also hopes of a 10-car garage in his future.
As he reflects on his time at KidWorks, he’s grateful to have built a strong support network. He hopes his younger brother, Aiden, builds a bond to similar to his friendship with Rachel, because everyone deserves to have a Rachel in their life.
Jesse concludes our preschool’s 20th anniversary celebration with a piece of advice for any parents thinking of choosing KidWorks for their child’s early childhood education:
“Parents should enroll their students at KidWorks because they’re going to get a lot of support with academics and advice. Everyone here is very welcoming. They treat you like family!”
Jesse cadena
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you encourage students, like Jesse, to build meaningful relationships with KidWorks students and staff. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
Meet the Preschool Alum: Michelle Martinez
The world is big—bigger for children like Michelle Martinez. Shy and reserved, Michelle’s first transition from home to school felt like an odyssey. The classroom was uncharted territory, but KidWorks ensured that Michelle developed the skills to thrive in any environment.
Like many of our students, Michelle joined KidWorks’ preschool upon recommendation from a neighbor. Her mother learned about the opportunity from a trusted community partner whose children had also enrolled in preschool at KidWorks.
Shortly after their conversation, Michelle’s mother visited our Dan Donahue Center and met with the preschool team at KidWorks. The school environment and teachers, along with KidWorks proximity to their home, made enrolling here an easy decision.
Michelle attended her first day of preschool in 2009, but her first day was far from easy. She shared a close bond with her mother—leaving her at the door seemed impossible.
Michelle and her mother celebrate Mother’s Day at KidWorks’ preschool in 2010.
For months, Michelle struggled to acclimate to her new routine as a preschool student.
Drop-off heightened her anxiety. Michelle felt overwhelmed and alone. But the preschool team at KidWorks provided crucial emotional support during this big transition in her life.
“My preschool teachers helped me understand and feel that everything was going to be okay. I learned that it’s okay to step into something new, because they’re always going to be there for me, even as I step into new stages of life.”
Michelle Martinez
Alma Magaña, Early Learning/Family Specialist, was a pillar during Michelle’s time in preschool.
Recognizing that it was harder for Michelle to socialize, Alma extended her warmth and support. She encouraged Michelle to advocate for herself inside the classroom and build connections with her peers.
Michelle poses for a photo with her classmates during her preschool graduation in 2010.
Michelle recalls making a close friend—her co-chef in the preschool’s play kitchen. Soon, they were even sitting together during quiet time with a book and a tiny cassette player with headphones.
With a friend by her side, preschool transformed into a site of wonder.
Tea parties. Mobile aquariums where Michelle touched sea stars and urchins. Each new experience helped Michelle understand that trying new things could be exciting. But her trip to the pumpkin patch at Irvine Regional Park was particularly special.
Everyone in her class was tasked with picking their own pumpkin to take home. Most students grabbed a pumpkin proportionate to a 3 or 4-year-old. Except one student who wanted the biggest pumpkin at the fair. Michelle laughs looking back at this moment.
Memories like these are a reminder that it’s okay to go off the beaten track—a lesson that she’s learned throughout the years at KidWorks.
“Developing social skills in the classroom made socializing less scary, especially when it came to chatting and reaching out to teachers at school. I got more comfortable asking for help. KidWorks helped me find my voice.”
Michelle left preschool empowered to explore new spaces. Her transition into K-12 education proved challenging, but KidWorks staff connected Michelle’s family with a therapist that supported her social and emotional development at school.
From first grade to her senior year of high school in 2021, Michelle built a strong support network at KidWorks. She joined the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), now known as Youth Community Leaders (YCL), during her last year in programming.
Michelle was reluctant to participate in YLT, but her friend encouraged her to join. Now, she appreciates what she learned during her time with the group.
“Community advocacy is something that’s stayed with me since my time in YLT. I always try to teach my brothers, friends, and family about the importance of community advocacy and what actually having a community means…connecting with the people around us.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, leads the YCL team and encouraged Michelle to meaningfully engage with her community.
“I first met Michelle when she was in 8th grade, she’s always been a kind, smart, sweet young woman, and a great friend to all her peers. Through her participation in the Youth Leadership Team, I had the pleasure to see her step out of her comfort zone and step up to the several leadership opportunities that came her way such as serving our community through service projects or sharing her input in city meetings. Though she may be quiet, she is fierce, talented, and fun to be around. Michelle will always be a great moral compass for her peers and now students that she works with.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator
Joining YLT helped Michelle find her voice and build the skills to mobilize the next generation of leaders in her community.
Michelle is now a 3rd year education major at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She will begin her teaching credential program this upcoming spring with plans to work as an elementary school teacher after college. Michelle is excited to help students, like her, achieve success in the classroom.
Michelle, second from left, celebrates her graduation at Noche de las Estrellas in 2021.
Beyond the classroom, KidWorks continues to shape Michelle’s future. She looks forward to giving back to the community that’s supported her growth over the past 17 years.
“KidWorks instilled the importance of giving back to my community. After becoming a seasoned teacher, I’d love to go back and support KidWorks like they supported me throughout the years.”
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you empower students, like Michelle, to explore education fearlessly. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
Meet the Preschool Alum: Kimberly Santana
The world is Kimberly Santana’s playground. She’s curious and “talkative”—that’s the word she uses to describe herself. Over her 14 years with KidWorks, Kimberly transformed her natural talent for conversation into a skill for success.
Kimberly’s mother heard about KidWorks from a trusted neighbor in 2009. Doña Rosio, a longtime resident of the neighborhood around the Dan Donahue Center (DDC) and community partner of KidWorks, recommended that Kimberly enroll in our preschool.
At four-years-old, Kimberly arrived at DDC for her first day. Moving from home to school was challenging, but Kimberly’s upbringing prepared her well: “My parents taught me that even if a problem feels big in the moment…In the future, it’ll reveal itself to be small. It’ll be something that I learned from.”
Preschool was one of Kimberly’s first opportunities to practice what her parents taught her.
While she felt apprehensive on her first day, Kimberly soon gravitated to the front of the line at preschool with the support of her teachers. They encouraged Kimberly to fearlessly embrace her new routine.
“Preschool at KidWorks teaches you to be brave. Teachers told you that you were brave to help regulate your emotions and empower you to tackle problems head-on.”
With a renewed sense of security in her environment, Kimberly spent her days at KidWorks learning how to build meaningful experiences inside the classroom.
Kimberly poses for a class picture at KidWorks’ preschool in 2010.
Among her favorite memories of preschool: the birthday she celebrated alongside her classmates. The long table with small plates for cake. The birthday crown she was gifted by her teachers. Everyone singing happy birthday. The exact details of the event are spotty, but Kimberly looks back at this moment with affection.
Preschool introduced Kimberly to a world outside her home—replete with memories, feelings, and relationships that carried a different pulse than what she was accustomed to. Kimberly built a positive association with learning at KidWorks that motivated her to explore other aspects of the classroom.
“I’ve gotten a lot from preschool. My teachers taught me how to be nice, say sorry, and to see that school is fun—everyday there’s something new to do, friends to hang out with, and fun to be had.”
As an outgoing child, Kimberly thrived in the preschool’s outdoor classroom. She refined her motor skills on the playground slide. But most importantly, she met lifelong friends that keep her grounded among life’s many shifts.
“My favorite outcome of preschool at KidWorks is meeting my friends that I still love and talk to. Even though we’re far apart and we’re pursuing different careers, we’re still connected. We might have different petals, but KidWorks is our stem.”
Kimberly Santana
This was true for Kimberly when she returned to KidWorks in 6th grade. But the transition during elementary school proved challenging at first.
When Kimberly stopped attending KidWorks programming in elementary school, she was worried that the friends she’d made at KidWorks had moved on. Seeing familiar faces at DDC quickly eased Kimberly’s anxieties. Friends and staff welcomed Kimberly back, reminding her that she always has a second home at KidWorks.
“KidWorks has always been a place where I can be myself, where I don’t have to shy away from who I am. Sometimes I feel like I’m too talkative…but KidWorks staff give me the space to be myself,” she says.
Over the next 7 years, Kimberly embraced her natural charisma and sociability. She volunteered with KidWorks in high school, joined the College Apps Academy, and participated in the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), now referred to as Youth Community Leaders (YCL).
“I had a lot of new experiences at KidWorks. I tried public speaking and community work. Being part of the Youth Leadership Team taught me that I enjoy helping my community and giving back to a neighborhood that has given me so much. YLT helped me find my values and adapt to the many transitions in my life.”
Through her participation in YLT, Kimberly elevated her interpersonal skills. She grew meaningful relationships with her community in Santa Ana. And at KidWorks, Kimberly developed a close relationship with her mentor Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator and YLT’s staff lead.
With Maria and YLT’s support, Kimberly was selected as a student speaker for Noche de las Estrellas in 2023, KidWorks’ graduation celebration.
Kimberly celebrates her graduation with Ms. Alma, Ms. Minda, & Ms. Idalia at Noche de las Estrellas.
That experience helped her develop a passion for advocacy that changed the trajectory of her life: “Speaking at Noche taught me that I am not afraid to talk in front of a crowd. That achievement shaped me to be out there…always talking with people, giving out resources, and helping the community.”
Kimberly is now a third-year Business Administration major, concentrating in Information Systems, at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
The skills Kimberly developed at KidWorks have helped her advocate for students like her at Cal Poly SLO, which is a predominately white institution (PWI) where first-generation Latine students comprise a small percentage of the university’s population. Kimberly’s tenacity has allowed her to advocate for her community and celebrate her cultural heritage proudly.
She’s part of the Latinx Business Association, two ambassador programs with University Housing and the College of Business, and mentors high school students in her free time.
After college, Kimberly looks forward to working as a Business Intelligence Analyst and giving back to her community by encouraging others to pursue an education beyond high school.
“My biggest goal is to see others pursue higher education. I want to be on panels talking to students about my experiences, encouraging them to broaden their horizons through college. I want to be a role model for what higher education can do.”
Kimberly Santana
Thank you, Kimberly, for being part of the KidWorks family! We celebrate your continued success in college and look forward to seeing how you make an impact in the world.
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you support students, like Kimberly, to find their voices and empower them to pursue higher education. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
Celebrating KidWorks Class of 2024
The numbers are impressive for KidWorks’ class of 2024 high school graduates:
- 100% are graduating on time and all 17 are pursuing higher education. That’s a greater percentage than statewide or national averages.
- 52% will attend a four-year college/university.
- 48% are pursuing
Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (STEM)-related careers.
But numbers don’t tell the whole story, of course. The pursuit of academic excellence and meaningful careers is a seed we plant from the first day a student walks through our doors and continues for as long as they are with us.
- 41% of our high school grads have been enrolled in KidWorks since preschool.
- 52% have been enrolled in KidWorks since second grade.
Each of the high school grads participated in our College & Career Programs which prepares first-generation college students for higher education. Over the past year, students participated in 87 hours of college and career counseling.
Our students also attend monthly career seminars that focus on a different industry or profession each month. Many say they have chosen career paths they were not aware of beforehand.
Each high school senior is also paired with a volunteer mentor who provide guidance, encouragement and insight into the work world.We’d like to introduce you to our class of 2024 high school graduates. Please join us as we cheer them on as they continue with their education and plan for a bright future.
Estrella Moreno shared, “I’ve had so many staff and mentors support me during my time at KidWorks. I’m excited to see what the future holds and to make everyone proud!”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
KidWorks Alumni Celebration
Attn: KidWorks Alunni
Our annual alumni reunion will be at Angel’s Stadium this year. KidWorks Alumni Reunion Flyer (8.5 x 11 in)
Click HERE to register:
https://4agc.com/commerce_pages/5ccff496-78a7-4319-9081-abc2a7d6912d
March 2024 ‘Volunteer of the Month’: Cristian Vega
Like many students enrolled in KidWorks’ programs, Cristian Vega knew he wanted to say “thanks” by serving here as a volunteer.
Cristian attended our programs from eighth grade through graduation from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. He joined KidWorks at the same time as his younger brother, Enrique.
Our March 2024 “Volunteer of the Month” is a senior at Orange Coast College; he’s about to earn his associate of arts degree in speech language pathology.
Cristian became a KidWorks volunteer in 2018 and continues to volunteer as he makes plans to attend a four-year college or university. So far, he’s logged over 150 volunteer hours.
“Cristian is a dedicated alumni who has remained committed to KidWorks and our students,” says Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator.
“Cristian could easily get wrapped up in the busyness of college, work and family commitments, yet he chose to return to KidWorks and volunteer,” Rachel adds. “Cristian always shows up in a big way. He’s such a dependable person.”
“Cristian is an alumnus I can reach out to when we need volunteers, knowing that he will say yes,” says Brenda Trujillo Sanchez, our Senior College & Career Manager.
She adds, “Most recently, Cristian supported our annual Youth Lock-In, a once-a-year event for students in grades six through 12. It’s a night of fun, food, faith and fellowship.”
Cristian has also volunteered at our Festival of Chefs fundraising event, pickleball tournament, Noche de las Estrellas graduation celebration, after-school programs, set up/clean-up for events and at Campus Crash, where students visit college and university campuses to plant the seed of higher education after high school graduation.
Cristian has fond memories of his years as a KidWorks student.
“I was involved in pretty much everything KidWorks offered,” he says. “That included after school tutoring, summer and spring programs, youth groups and college preparation.”
In addition to Campus Crash, our College & Career preparedness programs at KidWorks include the College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school. College preparedness also includes our College Apps Academy, our 25-week program for high school seniors that provides guidance through the college application process, including support with college and financial aid applications, scholarships, admissions essays and tips on how to have a successful transition into college.
After they start their higher education, our engagement continues with our college counselor, care packages for our college students and more.
KidWorks guided Cristian to apply and earn a scholarship to Mater Dei. After graduation, our college preparedness team assisted in his application and acceptance at Orange Coast College.
He is also one of our gap scholarship recipients. A gap scholarship provides financial assistance to students who for a variety of reasons and situations take a year or more after high school graduation before starting at a college or university.
KidWorks has also supported Cristian’s dream of becoming a licensed speech therapist.
We introduced him to Cindy Rodriguez, owner of Esperanza Speech Therapy. Cristian shadowed her for a class assignment. This January, we connected Cristian with Collaborative Therapies where he now works as a behavior interventionist, someone who guides clients to positive behaviors and actions.
Our March “Volunteer of the Month” wanted us to pass on his thanks to past KidWorks team members who worked with him over the years, along with current team members, including Lazaro Espinosa Bahena, Facilities Manager; Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator; Jessica Ellis, Senior Site Supervisor, Dan Donahue Center; Vanessa Hernandez, Volunteer Manager and Brenda Trujillo Sanchez, Senior College & Career Manager.
In his spare time, Cristian enjoys working out at the gym, visiting the beach and attending Angels games with his brother, Enrique.
We are inspired by Cristian as he pursues a four-year degree and eventually begins a career in speech language pathology.
This is a young man who early in his youth demonstrated a heart to serve others. We see Cristian bettering the lives of others for decades to come.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.
Alumni Spotlight: Melisa Castillo
From an early age Melisa Castillo had a passion for learning and her sights set on college. She joined KidWorks in seventh grade along with her brothers.
“While I always did well academically, KidWorks played a big role in my social and emotional growth,” Melisa says. “They also taught me to be a leader and to have a servant’s heart.”
KidWorks also helped Melisa develop confidence and a sense of self. Those are skills she needed while attending Duke University, where she graduated in 2020 with a double major in classical civilizations and history.
Our KidWorks alumni is now on a path to becoming an attorney specializing in trademark and intellectual property law. She’s subsequently taken law classes at Santa Ana college and has applied to law schools, planning to start at one of them next Fall.
“Melisa is unstoppable,” says Noemi Juarez, our Director of K-12 Programs. “She’s a determined and spirited young lady. There are no limits to her success in life and career.”
Melisa recently shared the story of her KidWorks’ journey with attendees at our recent fourth annual Rose’ on the Bay event led by our KidWorks Women (KWW) auxiliary service group.
“KidWorks believed in me and that I would go far in life,” Melisa told the attendees. “They’ve been such a big part of my life. During those years, more of my waking hours were probably spent at KidWorks than anywhere else, except home and school.”
Always an excellent student, Melisa thanks her parents and KidWorks for giving her the solid foundation upon which to build not only academically, but also spiritually, creatively and as a leader.
“From a very young age, my parents, Maria and Abel, told both me and my brothers, ‘You’re going to college; it’s just a matter of where,’” Melisa recalls.
Melisa says KidWorks’ faith-based approach helped her develop the desire to serve others that Jesus teaches.
“At KidWorks, I was part of the youth service club during my middle and high school years that focused on making Santa Ana better and serving members of the community,” Melisa said.
What was then known at KidWorks as the Youth Empowerment Network, focused on issues such as safe bike lanes, a community garden, healthy nutritional choices in school cafeterias, bike safety advocacy, the KidWorks’ Christmas toy drive and more.
“While our youth program operated under KidWorks’ umbrella, they really made sure it was youth-led in order to develop our leadership skills,” Melisa says.
That meant she and her youth colleagues participated in such activities as speaking before the Santa Ana City Council, legislators in Sacramento and other key influencers.
The youth also helped organize, promote and fundraise for local street fairs where valuable information was shared with neighborhood residents.
“We connected existing services and resources to people who did not know where to find them,” Melisa says.
“When the opportunity to attend Duke became available, I doubted myself and wondered if I really belonged there,” Melisa recalls. “Maybe one in 30 students looked like me.”
But KidWorks walked alongside Melisa and helped dispel that self-doubt.
Years before, Melisa was also encouraged to attend Mater Dei high school by Xitlaly Sanchez, another successful KidWorks and Mater Dei graduate, who is now a middle school history teacher in Anaheim.
“I met Xitlaly when I was in middle school and we both attended KidWorks summer camp in Yosemite,” Melisa says. “Xitlaly was older than me and saw that I was very uncertain about applying to Mater Dei. ‘It’s not a mistake; you are supposed to attend that high school; God is sending you there,’ Xitlally told me. I was motivated and graduated in 2016.”
As she awaits acceptance to law school, Melisa works 35 hours a week at PTS Marketing, a full-service printing and marketing group located in Tustin, California. They are a longtime KidWorks partner, who also employ two other KidWorks grads and founder Pat Merrell sits on our board.
Melisa says she’s attracted to a career in law because to succeed in that profession, a person must use skills such as creativity, intelligence, problem-solving, persuasion and understanding nuance.
She is particularly focused on the risks Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses to creative people and others if left unchecked.
“The law is not just black and white; I like the fact that you use persuasion and logical arguments within the context of rules,” she says. “KidWorks helped me develop a wide range of skills that I can apply to my chosen profession.”
At PTS Marketing, Melisa is an administrative assistant to Elizabeth Carroll, the company’s Director of Operations, and also helps support the finance team.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, acrylic painting, jigsaw puzzles and video games.
As KidWorks celebrates our 30-year anniversary, we are inspired that our vision—“We unleash youth potential”—is being realized in such inspiring examples as Melisa Castillo.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Fritzi Valladares: Born to run
For someone who once professed to “dread” running during her high school physical education classes, KidWorks alumni Fritzi Valladares has learned to fully embrace one of KidWorks life lessons: “Welcome new experiences.”
In February, Fritzi ran the 2023 Surf City Half Marathon in Huntington Beach. She’s currently training for the Orange County Half Marathon in May.
This former KidWorks student first experienced the joy of running as an early member of the KidWorks running club, formed in 2013 (although currently not active).
Fritzi was in high school at the time and had been attending KidWorks since fourth grade. She stayed enrolled in our programs through high school. We helped her pursue a college career as the first in her family to do so.
Today, as KidWorks celebrates our 30th anniversary, Fritzi is another example of a successful KidWorks student alumnus who has gone on to a successful career.
Fritzi is a program supervisor within the intensive services department at Olive Crest, a non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse. With the encouragement of KidWorks staff, she graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work and in 2018 with a master’s degree in social work from the university.
On occasion, she’s returned to KidWorks during alumni gatherings and last spring she spoke to our high school students during a career day event.
Fritzi is a perfect example of someone who reflects KidWorks’ core values: Belief, hope, perseverance, confidence and impact.
Fritzi says her time at KidWorks—including as a member of the running club —taught her life lessons she carries with her to this day.
“KidWorks taught me the importance of being confident and knowing that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to,” Fritzi says.
She adds, “I was able to set the goal of running this February’s half-marathon after almost 10 years since running my last half-marathon. This showed me that I could accomplish any goal I set my mind to.”
Julie Herrick was active in KidWorks beginning in 2001 and was a coach/leader involved with the KidWorks running club in 2013. She’s now an administrator at the Connected Learning Lab at the University of California, Irvine.
“I’ve personally experienced how powerful it is to set a big, challenging goal and then reach it through hard work, over time,” Julie says. “I remember Fritzi as an active part of our group and being impressed with her and the other runners’ perseverance and positive attitudes, even as the runs got longer and harder.”
Julie was excited to learn about Fritzi’s successful completion of the Surf City Half Marathon:
“Fritzi, congratulations on 10 years and another half-marathon!” Julie says. “What an accomplishment and a great way to celebrate that milestone!”
Fritzi offers her thanks to Julie and the other running club coaches/leaders for the lessons the experience brought to her life: “It was a great and life-changing experience. It made me fall in love with running, and to continue to run.”
The Bruce Springsteen song, “Born to Run” isn’t about Fritzi, yet it’s an apt description of the many KidWorks experiences that have so positively shaped her life.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer