Nicole Melendez still remembers the first time she walked through the doors of the Boys & Girls Club. As a young kid, she joined simply to play sports—never realizing that this place would one day shape her future, her leadership, and her purpose. By middle school, she wasn’t just stopping by—the Club had become her second home.
Her First Job: Learning Leadership at the Club
At just 15 years old, the Club gave Nicole her first opportunity to step into a leadership role—as a Junior Staff member, making $4.67 per hour. This was more than just a job; it was a lesson in responsibility, work ethic, and personal growth. The Club was no longer just a place she went to—it was a place where she was learning how to lead, how to inspire, and how to push herself to grow every day.
She was fortunate to have two mentors who truly shaped who she is today—Kristina Balog, her Club Director, and Jason Cooper, her Gym Director. They saw something in her that she hadn’t yet recognized in herself, and they pushed her to embrace leadership and strive for excellence. Because of them, she began stepping outside of her comfort zone and participating in every program the Club had to offer.
A Lesson in Resilience: Youth of the Year
At 16 years old, she was encouraged to run for Youth of the Year (YOY), the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. That first year, she wasn’t selected. It was disappointing, but instead of feeling defeated, it lit a fire inside her. She was determined to push herself, grow stronger, and earn that title.
The following year, she came back more prepared, more confident, and more determined than ever. That year, she was honored to be selected as Youth of the Year for her Club—not just once, but during both her junior and senior years of high school. It was during this time that she realized her future wasn’t just about finding a career—it was about making a difference.
Becoming the First in Her Family to Go to College
With the guidance and support of her Club, she took a leap of faith and moved to Florida—a decision that would change her life forever. The Club not only prepared her academically and professionally, but it gave her the courage to step into the unknown.
One of her proudest achievements? Becoming the first in her family to go to college!
Everything the Boys & Girls Club taught her—resilience, leadership, responsibility, and confidence—prepared her for that moment.
Coming Full Circle: Giving Back as a Leader
During college, she began volunteering for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Broward County, and even though it wasn’t her home Club, she felt that same sense of connection, belonging, and purpose. Shortly after, she was offered her first full-time position as a Social Recreation Coordinator, marking the beginning of her professional career with the organization that had once shaped her as a child.
Over the past nine years, she has been fortunate to grow within the organization, holding multiple roles that allowed her to expand her leadership, drive impact, and help shape the experiences of the next generation of Club members. And now, standing as the Vice President of Strategy, she is reminded every day that the Club is more than just a place—it’s a catalyst for opportunity, a second home, and a family that never stops believing in her.
