Yesterday, hundreds of youth workers and community members voted online and in-person at the Youth Workers Intensive for 2011 Youthie Awards finalists in six categories.   Today, Boston Program Manager, Ryanne Filbey was honored with a Youthie Award in Communication!
Each year, Health Resources in Action recognizes outstanding youth workers for their work and contribution to the lives of young people.  Youthies celebrate the myriad of ways youth workers support the development of youth, create spaces for youth leadership and help youth reach their greatest potential.  Most of all it acknowledges a deep commitment to serving youth that shows up in practice, in programs and/or in the community.
Specifically, Ryanne was recognized for her outstanding communication skills.  Ryanne works tirelessly to build strong connections and manage consistent communication with diverse individuals including 350 elementary school girls and 25 after-school youth workers in Allston/Brighton, Charlestown, Roxbury and Dorchester; 100 college women mentors from Boston College, Simmons College and Northeastern University and SWSG colleagues.  She has innate skill and educated knowledge of best practices in positive youth development and leadership that allows her to create a supportive, consistent, and challenging environment in which youth flourish.
Northeastern University Chapter Director, Jennifer Glynn commented, “Ryanne is truly committed to the success and well-being of all of the students participating in SWSG as evidenced by her willingness to step in and mentor when college women are sick, participation in field trips, and supporting various chapters in their growth and development. Ryanne is engaged, supportive, comfortable with providing feedback, and incredible in her role. I could think of no better candidate for a Youthie Award.”
Most recently, Ryanne’s stellar communication and youth development skills shone through in a capacity building project.  In just one month, Ryanne worked the Northeastern Chapter of Strong Women, Strong Girls to build the necessary structures to engage 15 additional young women as volunteer mentors, increasing their size by almost 50%, while maintaining strong sense of community.  This expansion allowed Strong Women, Strong Girls to answer the Mayor’s and Superintendent’s call to encircle the city’s most underperforming schools in the Circle of Promise with comprehensive and seamless services.  Ryanne established new relationships with 4 partner elementary schools and community centers to empower 50 additional girls with the Circle of Promise.
Ultimately, Ryanne works to empower more young women and girls with the relationships, role models and skills they need to thrive now and as our future community leaders.  Congratulations,  Ryanne!  We are proud to have you as part of the Strong Women, Strong Girls team!