No matter who you are or where you come from, the BLT will treat you like family. The work you put in makes a difference when you see the smiling faces and inspired educators at the conference. Being involved in the BLT has given me so much insight into what I can do to improve my communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills. Learning from Tia and the BOOST Collaborative team is such an honor to be a part of because of the love, inclusivity, and relevant topics that are addressed made me a more passionate, inspired person. Thank you, BLT!

Nicolette Biagi, CEO, Sissy’s Sourdough, San Diego, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

In a time of uncertainty, BOOST gave me hope and a reminder that serving others helps the world become the better place we want it to be. BOOST continues to spread love, share kindness, and create a space for educators to learn and grow. I look forward to another amazing year with BOOST!

Shanyce Blossom, Administrative Assistant/Youth Director, 16th Street Church, San Bernardino, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

It has been my sincere honor to be a small part of the BOOST Conference mission. This is made possible through the dedicated work and heart of Tia Quinn and the Leadership Team. It is my hope that the message of diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to grow and spread throughout the world. The BOOST Conference is a major part of this mission.

Becky Shultz, Retired Educator, Whittier, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

I wish we could do a behind-the-scenes video so those who attend BOOST can see what a hardworking and dedicated group the BOOST Leadership Team is. Always going above and beyond to make sure that all in attendance have an experience that rejuvenates their work with students, but also rejuvenates their soul.

Kristen Gonzalez, Program Manager, Harmonium, Inc., San Diego, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being part of the BOOST Leadership Team means surrounding yourself with professionals just as invested in the success of all students as you are. It also means showing up for your colleagues by helping organize a transformative and restorative event. It means watering a tree with roots that expand across the country.

Delia Contreras, Community Schools Facilitator, La Mesa Spring Valley School District, La Mesa, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

My experience being on the BLT was exactly what I needed. Being on a team of like-minded individuals all on the same journey was really refreshing. It’s rare to be a part of a group like this. I feel like we prepared throughout the year and came together when it was game time and won the championship. Something you must experience to understand. I appreciate the relationships I’ve built and look forward to growing them!

Justin Griffin, Owner, Pure Joy Enrichment Inc. & Pure Joy Basketball LLC, Corona, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

There’s something truly powerful about witnessing synergy in action. Being part of the BOOST Leadership Team means more than just planning a conference—it means being part of a family. We support each other through every detail of the BOOST Conference, but it goes far beyond that. We show up for each other as people, as professionals, and as friends.

Surrounding myself with such passionate, like-minded individuals feeds my soul and reminds me why I do this work—for the youth we serve and the staff I’m honored to lead.

It is a privilege to be part of the BOOST Family. This experience has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. As a member of the Leadership Team, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the most inspiring and dedicated leaders in our field. Together, we’re not just planning an event—we’re shaping the future of out-of-school time.

Alyson Bryant, Program Director, YMCA of Greater Long Beach/ABC Unified School District, Long Beach, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Serving on the BOOST Leadership and Implementation Team for the past two years has been a highly rewarding experience. Interacting with other dedicated individuals who share a passion for enhancing youth program experiences through professional development opportunities, strategic partnerships, and inspirational speakers has been invigorating. We all leave the BOOST conference feeling motivated to continue our important work.

Blanca Orellana, Middle School and Mutigenerational Program Director, Breese Foundation, Los Angeles, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

The BOOST Leadership Team exemplifies visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence. Inspiring innovation and fostering a culture where both individuals and teams thrive, this team leads not just with authority, but with authenticity and heart. The leaders at BOOST are top-notch. From the top down, they fully support your work and keep you tied to what it's all about - the kids and the people that support them! When I have the backing of leadership, I’m empowered to do my best work.

Dana Lingard, Director, Field Marketing, Elevo, San Diego, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

It is such an honor to be part of the BOOST Leadership Team. This opportunity not only allows for personal growth but also provides meaningful connections with others who are passionate advocates for youth and youth programs. This experience has been truly transformative, fostering both personal and professional development. I highly recommend joining this incredible team—one that is deeply committed to connection, collaboration, and continuous self-growth.

LynnMarie Perez, Program Supervisor, Expanded Learning, Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District, Placentia, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

BOOST Collaborative, alongside its BOOST Leadership Team (BLT) and other contributors, exemplifies this principle by cultivating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-driven organizational culture. As a BLT member, you’ll experience genuine camaraderie and imaginative collaboration with thoughtful, committed, and diverse peers. Through monthly meetings and timely communication, BLT member engagement grows naturally—ideas flow freely, decisions move quickly, and actions impact greatly. The result? A powerful BLT synergy that fuels our annual BOOST Conference and inspires over 3,000 attendees to better serve youth and their communities across the U.S. and around the globe.

Serjio Acevedo, Diversity Equity Inclusion Strategist, Intercultural Ace Consulting, Los Angeles, CA

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being a part of BOOST Leadership Team gives me such joy. I love working with such amazing like-minded people. The BOOST Conference fills my cup and always inspires me and affirms my work in the after school field. Nothing compares to the energy and knowledge at the BOOST Conference.

Virginia "Ginny" Mebane, Teacher Specialist - Expanded Learning Programs, TLC Expanded Learning, Pomona Unified, Pomona, CA 

2025 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

2024 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being a part of the BOOST Leadership Team has been one of the greatest experiences of my career in after school. Words can't really describe how impactful it truly is! It's absolutely amazing when like-minded people who are driven and passionate about education come together.

Alyson Bryant, Program Director, YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Long Beach, CA

2023 BOOST Leadership Team Member

What an experience! Like minded yet unique individuals coming together as a community to support such an amazing and fun conference! I enjoyed my leadership team role, the impact our team brought, the problem solving, the creative and fun solutions, and seeing the results of our efforts enjoyed by 2500+ attendees! It's truly a rewarding experience. 

Erica Cardoso, Program Development Technician, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

2023 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Participating on the BOOST Leadership Team was an opportunity that I have desired for a long time. I am so honored to have had the opportunity this year. There was a lot of learning and a lot of fun. I have truly enjoyed meeting new people that have the same value that I have in creating really amazing opportunities for students and for the adults that serve the students. BOOST is amazing! 

Knisha Nash, Knisha (Knash) Nash, Learning & Development Manager, Think Together, Riverside, CA

2023 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being part of the BLT team was an opportunity to learn and collaborate with other leaders in the field. I was also able to see the work that is done behind the scenes to put together such an amazing conference. 

Veronica Granados, Director of Learning and Development, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

2023 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” And that sums up what being on the BOOST Leadership Team is like. The team strives for excellence each meeting, and in April all of the planning is executed flawlessly. It is such an honor to be part of this amazing team. 

Kristen Gonzalez, Program Manager, Harmonium, San Diego, CA

2023 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being a member of the BOOST Leadership Team has been one of the greatest opportunities of my career as an expanded learning professional. Not only do I have an opportunity to give back to the field, but I have also met some of the most authentic and generous leaders who really care about kids. Through this opportunity, I have grown both personally and professionally and would recommend it to any individual who is looking for a leadership growth experience of a lifetime. 

Meredith White, Supervisor, Expanded Learning Programs, Brea Olinda Unified School District – Child Development Services, Brea, CA

2022 BOOST Leadership Team Member

What can I say about being part of the BOOST Leadership Team? The first thing that comes to mind is love, the love this group has for the work we do in our respected organizations, the love we have for making sure that everyone that comes to BOOST is met with Radical Hospitality but most of all the love we have in supporting each other whether it be at work, to graduating, to life's ups and downs to just being present with one another saying nothing. Or maybe this quote sums it up "By doing what you love, you'll inspire and awaken the hearts of others" Satsuki Shibuya 

Kristen Gonzalez, Program Manager, Harmonium inc., San Diego, CA

2022 BOOST Leadership Team Member

There is something about seeing synergy at work, this group of BOOST Leadership Team members support each other in all aspects of the BOOST Conference but we are also there to support each other outside of planning the conference. Being around like-minded people feeds my soul for the work I do for the youth and staff I supervise. 

It is an honor to be a part of the BOOST Family! Being a member of the BOOST Leadership Team has allowed me to grow and learn in a way that no other experience has. As a Leadership Team member you are surrounded by the very best in the Industry. We are privileged to be part of a team of inspirational leaders that work hard to improve the quality of out-of-school time every day. 

Becky Shultz, Director of Expanded Learning, Whittier School District – Reach for the Stars, Whittier, CA

2022 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being a part of the 2022 team was invigorating, working with passionate leaders that inspire me to work harder to bring the in-person experience back to BOOST and our field was the highlight of the year. Thank you to all of the BLT team that came together, problem solved, kept it positive, and demonstrated teamwork. I love the BLT family. 

Jeanette Cruz, Director of Organizational Development, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

2022 BOOST Leadership Team Member

The BOOST Conference has always felt like a family reunion! The ability to come together, in person, and spend time with my expanded learning family was something that my soul needed. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity for connection. I also appreciated the professionals who took their time to create meaningful learning experiences for each session; especially in the Inspiration Stations and the Workshop sessions! 

Suzanne Hill, Project Liaison, Orange County Department of Education, Costa Mesa, CA

2022 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being on the BLT this past year has been a rewarding experience. The team is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people and youth workers. I remain amazed and humbled by the commitment and expertise of the members of the BLT in planning and delivering an amazing conference. 

Elle Essenmacher, Strategic Accounts Advisor, National Partnerships, Harmony SEL, National University, Windsor, CO

2022 BOOST Leadership Team Member

Being on the BLT this past year was an incredible experience. I met new people whose passion for young people and youth workers was evident in all of the meetings. You are not just part of the team but part of a family. I learned a lot about myself and helped contribute to an amazing conference.

Frances Vasquez, Coach, Anaheim, CA

I remember my first BOOST Conference vividly. Dedicated to youth programming, I walked away feeling motivated to inspire youth, inspire learning and inspire change, ready to 'do more' in order to make a profound, lasting impact. But where to start? As I sat in the closing session, I watched as another group of professionals one-by-one introduced themselves - the BOOST Leadership Team - and I thought to myself, "I want to do that!" A few years down the road, and with kind encouragement from my professional peers, I submitted my application, unsure that I was even equivalent to the caliber of those with whom I would be working. Upon receiving my acceptance, I didn't realize that this group of professionals would become so much more to me than a planning committee. BOOST became my balance, and over the course of the year, I met monthly with Expanded Learning and Out of School Time professionals who were committed to the same thing: creating an atmosphere that allowed people to come together, be renewed and refreshed, and continue doing what they do best - building positive environments for our children to thrive. To be amongst this group is truly a privilege. My only regret? Not applying sooner.

Meredith White, Program Coordinator, Department of Child Development Services, Brea Olinda Unified School District, Brea, CA

There's something magical that happens when cause-driven, caring humans self-select to be part of a group that creates a space where emerging leaders can gather, connect, learn, and validate each other and their work. At the beginning of the conference year, the team gets to know each other along with the strengths and value we each bring to the team. This builds community and holds its own unique energy. This energy grows and gets stronger as we go through the year planning, creating, innovating, debating, and giving birth to that year's conference, making it unique, innovative, and relevant each year. I've had the honor of being part of the BOOST Leadership Team (BLT) for 10 years. Not only do we created wondrous BOOST Conferences year after year, but we continue to build a community, a family. A family where all are welcomed and celebrated. Also, a family that continues to reach out and gather throughout the year, creating strong professional partnerships as well as beautiful friendships. The BLT has not only witnessed my professional growth, but also my personal growth and loss, including the welcoming of my two children and the loss of loved ones. In high times and in low times, they have held space for me, without judgment or expectations. They have let me be me; feel and think ME. I am forever grateful to be part of this tribe and I hope to continue to make the BOOST Conference a space for all to connect, learn, heal, and love.

Carola Secada, Independent Consultant, Youth Development, Los Angeles, CA

Being a part of the BOOST Leadership Team has made me a better leader. The BOOST Leadership Team (BLT) is comprised of dedicated professionals and inspiring leaders who serve our families every day. The BLT allows me to be surrounded by out of school time movers and shakers who understand that we can change the world one conference at a time.

Becky Shultz, Director of Expanded Learning, WCSD - Reach For The Stars Program, Whittier, CA

Serving on the BOOST Leadership Team for the last 4 years has been a truly amazing experience. It has allowed me to build incredibly meaningful relationships with many throughout our field, to expand my horizons, and challenge me to think deeper about how we support the amazing people in this field. It helps energize me and continuously remind and connect me to this very important work and I enjoy finding ways to help others do the same. We're not just a team, we are a family.

Heather Williams, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA

This was my second year as part of the BOOST Leadership team and I continue to be blown away by the passion, intelligence, skill, and creativity of each member of the team. Not only do I learn from them about important issues facing the young people and youth development professionals today, but I get to experience firsthand how the well-oiled machine that is BOOST continues to stretch and challenge itself to stay vital and curious in our ever-changing and challenging world. I have huge admiration for our leader and CEO - we are all planets to the sun that is Tia Quinn - her energy and dedication are a bright light in our field.

Amira Resnick, Healthy Communities / Strategic Partnerships Manager, California, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Los Angeles, CA

I have had the privilege of being part of the BLT for the past four years. This is an amazing group of people to work with, they are unbelievably dedicated change makers who truly love to work together. This group has become a family and it's an honor to work alongside each one of them. In my own personal professional development, I have strengthened my own skill sets in attention to detail, brand development and logistics! I hope to remain a part of the BOOST Family for as long as possible.

Suzanne Hill, Project Assistant, Orange County Department of Education, Costa Mesa, CA

I look forward to the BOOST Conference every year and have loved being on the BLT & Implementation Teams. In a world where cynicism and negativity dominate the headlines, it is so refreshing to work with such an amazing group of people that have a positive impact on people's lives. The rush of energy that I feel when I am with this dedicated team is infectious and inspirational. Thank you BOOST!

Sherri Brooke, Executive Operations Manager, Financial Fitness Group, San Diego, CA

How can I describe my experience on the BLT . . . AMAZING! I've worked in after school for 16 plus years and can say I haven't felt this fulfilled in my work in a while. Being given the opportunity to add value through ideas and suggests to such a meaningful conference, helps reinforce how important my work in after school is. I am so grateful for the chance to build up the next after school professional and look forward to many more years on the BLT.

Jeanaah Sampson, Regional Manager, EduCare Foundation, Van Nuys, CA

My experience being on the BOOST Leadership team totally exceeded my expectations! To have the opportunity to collaborate for such a huge and SUCCESSFUL event with driven people who share a passion for doing what is best for kids is a most satisfying thing! The BOOST Leadership team is a sincere community of leaders in the field and the spirit of genuine collaboration and support is very moving!

Stefanie Lawson, Director of Early Education, Early Education for CVUSD, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Thousand Oaks, CA