Meet the KidWorks Alum: Haide Gutierrez
August 19, 2026(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated… Continue Reading
Tag: Youth
KidWorks Youth Feast
You are invited to our annual Youth Feast – an evening for KidWorks students to dress up, walk the red carpet, enjoy a delicious meal and reflect on all they’re thankful for on this special night.
Join us in celebrating this season of gratitude by serving Thanksgiving dinner to these 6th to 12th grade students.
Date: Tuesday, November 24th
Time: 5-7pm
Location: KidWorks Dan Donahue Center – 1902 W. Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92703
For more information on how to volunteer, please contact: Abigail Moore, Donor Relations & Outreach Manager, at abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org.
Q&A with SLAY: KidWorks’ newest leadership cohort
It’s officially the start of fall programming at KidWorks. We’re welcoming new and familiar faces to our four sites across Santa Ana, but summer is still on our mind.
Summer programming at KidWorks brought exciting opportunities for student development with the launch of the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY).
In May, applications to participate in SLAY’s inaugural cohort opened to KidWorks’ students.
22 participants were selected for the program via a rigorous interview process with Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, and site supervisors across KidWorks’ centers, to explore students’ interest and capacity for leadership.
SLAY aimed to equip young leaders at KidWorks, from 7th to 12th grade, with the skills and confidence to make a positive impact in their communities and at KidWorks by supporting Kids Club, our K-5th summer programming. It’s a first step for youth to explore leadership and incentivize students to join leadership spaces at school, church, sports teams, or extracurricular activities.
The decision to introduce this program was a nod to KidWorks’ longstanding history of student leadership over the summer months.
16 years ago, the Teen Leadership Academy (T.L.A) was an opportunity for teenage youth at KidWorks to learn about leadership, support K-5th summer programs, and build kinship with their teammates.
As Maria notes, “SLAY was an opportunity to bring some of that old essence of KidWorks by having KidWorks’ youth volunteer in our very own summer programs for their younger peers, but through an educated and curated approach guided by three frameworks — Spirituality, Leadership, and Volunteerism.”
David Correa, Youth & Family Pastor, and Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, worked alongside Maria to plan and oversee SLAY’s debut at KidWorks.
The team developed daily curriculum focused on providing youth with in-depth training on what defines identity, stewardship, and community through SLAY’s pillars of Spirituality, Leadership, and Volunteerism.
When speaking with David and Rachel, it was clear that SLAY created opportunities not only for students to grow in their leadership but to reflect and grow in their faith by receiving practical tools for classroom management, conflict resolution and teamwork.
Rachel mentions that students at the end of SLAY were also encouraged to continue their commitment beyond summer programs and become regular stewards during the academic year.
SLAY students sat down with KidWorks’ Marketing & Communications team to reflect on their summer with KidWorks. Read below to see what they had to say about their leadership experience:
SLAY’s inaugural cohort, nicknamed the “SLAYdies,” pose for a photo with the KidWorks team.
1. What does “leadership” mean to you?
Alondra G., 8th grade: “Leadership means to take responsibility for your actions and doing something even when you’re not told to.”
Amaris M., 8th grade: “Leadership means taking control and initiative, allowing others to bring out what they have to offer and play an important role by being inclusive.”
2. Why is it important for youth in your community to pursue leadership opportunities?
Yulissa R., 10th grade: “It’s important for youth in my community to get out of their comfort zone and create opportunities for other youth.”
3. Why did you choose to apply to the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY)?
Mia G., 9th grade: “I chose to apply to SLAY, because I really enjoy working with kids, especially younger kids. I wanted to have the opportunity to see if I wanted to pursue this career in the future.”
Genesis M., 7th grade: “I chose to apply to SLAY, because I wanted to learn about being a leader, and what being a leader means while working with others. I’m also exploring if I’d like to work with kids in the future!”
Fatima R., 7th grade: “I applied to SLAY to get out of my shell. I’m trying to be open-minded and working with youth seemed like a great way to do that.”
Sofia C., 11th grade: “I applied to SLAY, because I want to be a child psychologist. When I heard I’d be working with kids, I wanted to explore what it’d be like to work with youth before pursuing my career field in college.”
4. What has been your favorite part/memory of participating in SLAY?
Katelyn B., 9th grade: “Seeing the impact you have on the kids.”
Emily F., 9th grade: “Not just interacting with the kids but also becoming closer to the people I’m working with.”
Brianna I., 7th grade: “All the kids were excited for all the dances, songs, and games.”
Leslie G., 10th grade: “Connecting with the kids I volunteer with and making fun new memories with them.”
5. How have your leadership skills grown throughout your time in SLAY?
April G., 8th grade: “At the beginning of Kids Club, I was scared and nervous to talk to students, but I got used to interacting with students and playing soccer with them.”
6. In 3 words, how would you describe your SLAY experience?
Jeritzel M., 9th grade: “Fun. Educational. Hands-on.”
7. You are part of the inaugural cohort for SLAY, what does it mean to you to belong to this new group here at KidWorks?
Leslie G. 8th grade: “Being part of SLAY shows leadership and that you’re engaged in your community. We demonstrate communication skills and engage with students through activities like playing one-on-one.”
Yulissa R, 10th grade: “Belonging to this new group at KidWorks shows that you’re paying more attention to what you’re doing in your community. You practice compassion by helping students and by developing a passion in what you do.”
8. What is something you’ve learned from a SLAY mentor that impacted how you approach leadership?
Leslie M., 12th grade: “Something that I’ve learned from Ms. Maria is that we have what it takes to have an impact on ourselves, others, and our community!”
9. What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking of joining SLAY?
Kayleen E., 7th grade: “One piece of advice I’d give is to spend your time wisely, because one second, it’ll feel like you’re meeting a student for the first time, and the next, you’ll have a strong bond with them.”
10. How do you plan to practice leadership after your time in SLAY?
Emily Q., 10th grade: “I plan to practice leadership by being less shy and encouraging others outside of KidWorks to get involved in their community!”
KidWorks’ first summer with SLAY was a success. SLAY officially wrapped in July with a trip to the happiest place on earth…Disneyland!
The “SLAYdies” celebrate their summer at KidWorks with a trip to Disneyland!
Thank you to each SLAY student for their commitment to student leadership and their hard work during summer programming at KidWorks.
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you empower student-leaders to develop the skills to give back to their communities. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Coordinator
For a deeper understanding of the SLAY experience, hear from Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, Maria, as she shares about the SLAY day-to-day.
“It was such a pleasure to create, plan, organize, and lead the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY). I wanted the SLAY students’ experience to be one of learning, hands-on, and fun, therefore, I was very intentional in engaging other staff with this program. Youth were mentored by staff leading our summer program for K-5th grade students, Kids Club, and became fully integrated into the KidsClub program as key leaders in its daily execution. Through the three intensive training days prior to the start of KidsClub, the youth had the opportunity to get to know each other and learn more about themselves as leaders in their identity, stewardship, and community. Once Kids Club began, their “on-the-field” hands-on experience kicked in and they got an opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to be in a classroom and lead programs, reflecting on their work and growth as leaders every day before and after KidsClub. Lastly, in our Friday Rewinds, youth had the opportunity to reflect on their challenges and learnings that week, share-out any funny stories or cherished moments of working” with the kids that week, and give each other shoutout affirmations and celebrations of their accomplishments that week.”
Read more about Maria as we celebrate 10 years of her service at KidWorks.
Maria Ruvalcaba: Inspiring Youth for 10+ Years
Social Media. AI. The pressure from “influencers.” Today’s youth—like most of us—face a daily onslaught of distractions.
That’s why for KidWorks’ youth a trusted resource like Maria Ruvalcaba is indispensable.
This year, KidWorks’ Leadership Development Coordinator celebrated her 10-year anniversary as a member of our team.
Over the past decade, Maria has been an “influencer” of the best kind: Instilling in our youth a full range of success-based characteristics that include faith, leadership, academic excellence, community service, responsibility, career-readiness, wellness and self-confidence.
Maria poses for a silly photo with KidWorks’ Youth Community Leaders
No one explains it better than our students. Here’s what 18-year-old Leyla Navarro says about Maria:
“Ms. Maria is a blessing. Her strong, independent mindset has inspired me to become a better leader by stepping up for my community, just as she has done.”
Leyla (who plans on becoming a Physician Assistant or an OB/GYN) adds:
“I met Ms. Maria halfway through my high school years and she has made a huge impact in my life by listening to my crazy stories or simply by asking how my day is going. I enjoy Ms. Maria because we share similar interests. Plus, whenever we talk, we are always laughing.”
Maria spearheads our Youth Community Leaders (YCL) team, currently comprised of 18 students from eighth grade through high school. It was formerly known as the Youth Leadership Team.
Under Maria’s stewardship, YCL encourages our youth to get involved in their city and become servant leaders in their neighborhoods through community service projects as well as networking with other youth in partner organizations.
“YCL encourages youth to be respectful, responsible, accountable, challenge themselves out of their comfort zone, to try new things—and more than anything, to experience joy and passion in all they do.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Leadership Development Coordinator
Maria adds, “YCL creates that space for youth to learn the value of collaboration and to act. They are not on the sidelines standing idly by as they see the hardships faced by their families and neighbors. Instead, they are encouraged to work together to make a positive impact in their communities.”
All of this has led to meaningful results.
“Most of the new parks around Santa Ana have design elements that came about as a result of our youth collaborating with the city’s parks and recreation department and urban planners to speak into what elements should be included,” Maria says.
She adds, “In my role, I create the leadership lessons that the afterschool program assistants teach to students every Tuesday. I also support the afterschool program team at youth events, the college and career team with the college visits and engaging alumni who have benefitted from KidWorks’ programs.”
Maria and the Youth Community Leaders (YCL) team!
“Maria’s impact can be seen in the confidence, leadership and growth of the students she has mentored over the years,” says Gerardo Magaña, our Associate Director of Programs. “She has cultivated youth leaders who are not only engaged in their schools and communities, but who also understand the importance of servant leadership and giving back.”
Gerardo adds, “Maria leads with a relational, empowering and growth-oriented approach. She believes in giving students ownership and responsibility while walking alongside them with encouragement and accountability.”
“She has a natural ability to connect with young people, making them feel seen, valued and capable of more than they often believe possible for themselves.”
“Over the years, Maria has grown into leadership. Early on, her strengths in relationship-building and youth mentorship were clear. She has continued to expand her skills in leading teams. She has grown in her ability to empower others, delegate leadership and cultivate future leaders around her.”
Maria, behind the camera, snaps a picture of KidWorks students.
Erika Sanchez, our Senior Director of Programs, says:
“Maria’s style is focused on long term impact. She warmly welcomes young students into the fold and allows them to grow and flourish year over year.”
“She also has a deep commitment to walk with students even after high school. She gathers alumni and cultivates community. She celebrates their wins and walks with them during difficult seasons.
“She is deeply personal and challenges growth in our students. She communicates expectations and upholds youth to these standards. She creates learning opportunities and curiosity among her students.”
From baseball games to summer beach days, Maria is always looking for exciting ways to connect with KidWorks youth.
Maria knows from firsthand experience that engaging with youth in a way they can relate to is different today than it was 10 years ago.
“Youth have become a lot busier and tougher to engage with at times,” she says. “There’s so much taking up their attention now with social media and other pressures.
“This sometimes make it challenging to capture their attention, interest and level of commitment. However, they still want to be involved; we’re just competing for limited time in their busy lives. And I feel the results show we have been successful in doing that.”
Maria cites one example:
“We are offering more wrap-around services for the entire family through more robust college and career support, practical parenting workshops and youth leadership development opportunities in their communities,” she says.
As Maria begins her second decade of service at KidWorks, we are inspired by her humble reflection on what the journey has been like so far and invite everyone to join us in saying, “Well done, Maria!”
In her words:
“It’s been such a pleasure and honor to know that I’ve played a small part in someone’s young life and hope that they took away some learning, experiences, opportunities and memories from their time participating and serving on our youth leadership team.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Leadership Development Coordinator
By Glenn Leibowitz, Volunteer Writer
When you support KidWorks youth with a financial donation, as a volunteer and in other ways, you are directly helping to provide a path forward for tomorrow’s leaders. Learn more. kidworksoc.org/donate
1st Day of After School Programs – 24/25
Today is the start of KidWorks After School programs for students in grades K-12 at all three centers. To learn more about programs and register a student please visit kidworksoc.org/after-school
Campus Crash 2024 – UCI and IVC
Starting KidWorks Campus Crash off with a bang, KidWorks high school students and parents met at UC Irvine on April 1st to tour their campus, connect with current college students and consider future career paths.
After being dropped off at the UCI flagpoles, students learned fun facts about the different dorms, subjects to study and food options available to students. The tour guides showed off a couple of UCI’s prestigious schools, like their schools of engineering and business. Students also got a chance to check out university merch at the campus store and take a Starbucks run before heading back to their next stop. From there, students were transported to a lunch and tour at Irvine Valley College to explore more options for future education.
Students heard from speakers about the many programs and services IVC offers for student success and learned about the IVC Basic Needs Program. The group also got the opportunity to tour some of the campus buildings such as the Computer Science building, and the career and transfer center. One student shared, “I really enjoyed learning about the campus, especially hearing about the soccer team and other sports.”
Overall, the first day of Campus Crash was a success! The tours were a great way to provide a vision for college, ignite an excitement for learning and show that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Concordia University’s leadership conference inspires
The path to college is ever-changing and can be challenging to navigate. Many KidWorks parents are helping their children prepare for college but may not have attended college themselves.
Thanks to our partnership with KidWorks board member Erika Sanchez and the support of Concordia University, we were able to send a group of KidWorks parents and students to attend their seventh annual Hispanic Leadership Conference, a forum focused on preparing 1st generation Latino students for higher education.
Concordia describes the no-cost event as “inspiring community college and high school students to pursue academic goals for a bright future. The purpose of this event is to help attendees navigate the path to college. The conference offers a toolkit of educational resources about college majors, financial aid, as well as inspiring first-generation speakers, industry professionals and a keynote.”
The conference included breakout sessions and an information fair. The university also provided, free transportation to and from the event for our parents and students.
Overall, 245 students and 30 parents attended from throughout Southern California. The conference was open to all high school and community college students, along with parents.
The event aligns perfect with our own College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school.
KidWorks thanks the staff and leadership at Concordia for producing such an impactful conference. We also express our gratitude to Erika Sanchez, Project Director of Hispanic Serving Institutions at the university. She is a KidWorks alumnus and former team member.
One of the event panelists was David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer. He spoke about his own journey and the important role education played in his life and career.
The event also featured a discussion that included four KidWorks parents as panelists. They shared their experiences as parents of college students/graduates. Attendees said their comments provided meaningful insight, encouragement and guidance.
Both our parents and students expressed how valuable they found the event to be.
Gloria Servin, parent: “It was helpful having a conference geared towards preparing 1st generation Latino students for college. The workshops left us thinking about our children’s future and well-being. Yasmin is my oldest daughter and I want her to attend college someday. These types of opportunities have really helped me believe that college is part of my children’s future. I thank everybody who made this conference possible.”
Liliana Flores: parent: “I’m very glad I had the opportunity to attend the conference because I learned about ways I can support my children as they get ready to go off to college or a university. These types of talks and opportunities make going to college more attainable and reachable for our children. Thank you very much for these types of events and opportunities.”
KidWorks 10th grader Santiago gave the event high marks: “Attending the Concordia conference helped me see that Latinos can change the world.”
We are confident that many successful higher education careers will be launched thanks to Concordia University’s Hispanic Leadership Conference. KidWorks congratulate them on such a successful and meaningful event.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Student Spotlight: Jesse Torres
Jesse Torres may be one of KidWorks busiest high school seniors. In addition to honors classes, he plays varsity lacrosse, serves on his school’s color guard, and is active in KidWorks leadership.
“Jesse maintains the most positive attitude despite being extremely busy and at times exhausted. He’s always fully engaged.” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Readiness Coordinator.
KidWorks has always been a part of Jesse’s world. In addition to music programs, Jesse has been involved in after-school programs and youth leadership teams where he has volunteered in the classroom, attended summer camp and advocated for the building of skate parks in Santa Ana.
“Many of my KidWorks’ experiences—such as playing the flute in front of a crowd during a concert and presenting to elected officials—helped me gain confidence in public speaking and being a leader,” Jesse says.
“I’ve seen Jesse grow into a very caring and confident young man; he is a natural-born leader,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
She adds, “His faith and self-confidence have grown over the years. He’s always looking out for others and is not afraid to speak and voice his concerns. He embodies a humble leadership style that is very admirable for someone his age.”
Now that college is on the horizon, Maria, Clarisa, and other KidWorks staff have worked alongside Jesse to help him complete college applications, apply for scholarships, and prepare for college life.
Jesse plans to major in computer science and has already received several acceptances including Cal Poly and Vanguard University.
He credits KidWorks with giving him the confidence—and the motivation—to pursue higher education.
“In my elementary and middle school years, I thought college was out of reach because it would be too expensive and also that I didn’t have what it takes,” Jesse says.
All that changed when Jesse attended Campus Crash, visiting UCLA, USC, UC Irvine and others.
“KidWorks opened my eyes that if I tried hard enough, I’d have what it takes to attend college,” Jesse says.
“Math was one subject that was not my strong suit during my elementary school years,” Jesse recalls.
KidWorks’ tutors helped him gain confidence and proficiency in math, so much so that he’s been enrolled in honors math classes in the areas of algebra and pre-calculus since his sophomore year in high school.
Another big influence is Lance Lew, 26, an incoming medical student and future doctor, who is part of KidWorks’ mentor program. Like other KidWorks’ mentors, Lance meets with Jesse at least once a month. But they connect whenever Jesse needs advice.
“The world needs more people like Jesse, who are positive, passionate and kind to the core,” Lance says. “When I sit down with Jesse, I’m immediately in a brighter mood. His strong sense of self and ability to enliven others is inspiring.”
When you support students like Jesse you are making a significant impact on future generations who will be tomorrow’s respected leaders.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Youth Lock-in
KidWorks Lock-in is a KidWorks tradition that students hear about and look forward to from their earliest years at KidWorks. Students in grades 6-12 gather for a night of fun and no sleep.
Volunteers are needed to help with games, breakout groups and helping with set-up and tear-down.
E-mail vanessa@kidworksoc.org for more information.
