Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota: Fostering Growth and Leadership
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota is dedicated to creating a supportive, growth-focused environment for both its staff and the youth it serves. The organization actively recognizes and nurtures employee potential through initiatives like the Great Futures Leadership Cohort.
Launched in 2023, the Great Futures Leadership Cohort aims to prepare the next generation of nonprofit leaders by building on the existing skills and talents of its staff. This program is designed to enhance professional skills, develop key competencies, and explore organizational foundations through active participation, while also encouraging reflection on career development aspirations.
Now in its second year, the Great Futures Leadership Program continues to make a meaningful impact on its cohort members.
Kathryn Germick, a member of the cohort, reflects on her experience, “The Great Futures Leadership Program has aided in my professional and personal development. Throughout the program, I have been able to dive into how my personal values directly correlate with my work life. This has allowed me to stay motivated and passionate in my work here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. So far, I have advanced my verbal and written communication skills, which has been extremely beneficial for my role as an HR Business Partner. The experiences I have had throughout the Great Futures Leadership Program have all been extremely positive. I have formed several meaningful relationships with colleagues at the Club, and along the way, I have also gotten to know various impactful leaders in our community who have already shaped my professional development simply by sharing their insightful thoughts and stories.’”
Program Objectives:
- Enhance personal skills for increased self-awareness, perception, confidence, and empathy.
- Develop professional skills and competencies around problem-solving, business operations, systems, and critical thinking to increase organizational outcomes and prepare individuals for greater professional impact.
- Support Boys & Girls Club core values, enrich culture, and improve club operations.
The cohort attends sessions on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 – noon.
Session topics include:
- Self-Awareness
- Personal Values & Setting Personal Goals
- Written Communication
- Conversations, Discussions & Presentations
- Credibility in Organizaional Ethics
- Long Term Thinking & Strategic Planning
- Business Operations, Critical Thinking & Board Governance
- Customer Service & Community Engagement
- Fundamentals of Accounting & Financial management
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Movement & Beyond
- Emerging Leaders Capstone Project
Let’s meet our 2024 Great Futures Leadership Cohort
Kathryn Germick
Kathryn Germick is currently the HR Business Partner at the Boys & Girls Club. Her involvement with the organization started with her job as a Youth Development Professional. After a few months, she moved into the HR intern role. After completing her degree in management with a concentration in Human Resources from Saint Cloud State University, she transitioned into her current role.
Kathryn finds enjoyment in being able to do her part to better the lives of the families in the surrounding community. Throughout her experience with the Boys & Girls Club, she has seen the impact our program has on the youth and parents involved.
Kathryn hopes to further her knowledge in business operations by joining the Great Futures Leadership Program. She constantly looks for ways she can grow professionally and personally, this program will allow her to do so.
Kathryn enjoys spending time with her loved ones by playing various strategic games. During the winter, she tends to settle inside with a good book or a movie. When summer comes around, she takes advantage of the weather by taking lots of walks and going outdoors.
Alex Girodat
Alex is the senior site manager of Boys & Girls Club’s Clearview KIDSTOP. He graduated from North Dakota State University, (GO BISON!) where he studied Sports Management with an emphasis in Youth Athletics.
Working with kids gives him the opportunity to see them grow as individuals, work as a team, and have fun. When Alex is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Makala, friends, and family. Alex enjoys spending time on the lake, around a campfire, or exploring the outdoors.
Carlie Harmon
Carlie is currently the Senior Site Manager of Boys & Girls Club’s Riverview KIDSTOP, and she has served the mission for 8 years. Carlie started with the Boys & Girls Club as a volunteer for a college course. She loves the environment and programs that KIDSTOP provides.
She applied as a Youth Development Professional and continued to advance in her role to Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager, and now Senior Site Manager.
Carlie is committed to the Boys & Girls Club because she believes in the mission to empower all youth. The Club gives Carlie the opportunity to teach children in an after school setting.
Carlie joined the Great Futures Leadership Program so she can effectively learn to enhance her personal and professional skills. Carlie believes that the Great Futures Leadership Program can provide her with various perspectives, ideas, and experiences.
When not at work Carlie loves to take her yellow lab Sunny for walks and play fetch! She also enjoys reading, shopping, and baking!
Sylvia Krecklau 
Sylvia Krecklau serves as the Sr. Site Manager at the Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club. Sylvia has been with the organization since 2017, starting as a part-time Youth Development Professional. She has also held the roles of Academic Success Coordinator and Site Manager. Sylvia received her bachelor’s in Human Resources Management from St Cloud State University.
Sylvia is committed to the mission of the Club and is witness to the positive impact that the Club has on the life of Club Members and their families. She is passionate about programs offered by the Club, such as Project Learn and Workforce Readiness. Sylvia also serves on the Trauma-Informed Care Committee and Employee Retention Committee at the Club.
Sylvia joined the Great Futures Leadership Cohort to become a more effective leader for her staff and Club members and connect with other leaders from the organization and St Cloud Area. Sylvia is passionate about servant-leadership and is dedicated to personal and professional growth to help support those around her.
Sylvia and her partner, Rick, are the proud parents of Elijah (10). She enjoys plants, flowers, gardening, cooking and baking. Sylvia and her family enjoy visiting museums, summer fishing, watching softball games and amateur metal detecting.
Yvonne Hall 
Yvonne Hall is currently the Senior Site Manager at Eastside Boys & Girls Club. Yvonne has served the mission at the Boys & Girls Club in several locations for 8 years starting as a volunteer working with teens now serving in a leadership role.
Yvonne is committed to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club because of her passion to create a safe and fun environment for young individuals, offering guidance, mentorship, and organizing educational and recreational activities. In her role, she aims to empower youth, promote personal development, and foster positive relationships within the community.
Yvonne joined the Great Futures Leadership Program to master her leadership skills, interpersonal communication, effective problem solving and relationship building. Her future goal is to become an inspiring leader that other leaders will want to follow.
Yvonne loves to sing karaoke! Fall and spring are her favorite seasons. In her spare time, Yvonne enjoys spending time with her husband Derrick, riding horses, camping, golfing and entertaining friends.
Nathan Janson
Nathan Janson is currently the Senior Site Manager of Boys & Girls Club of Little Falls, and he has served the mission of the organization for almost 14 years in various roles. Nathan received his Associates in Science Degree at St. Cloud Technical College
Nathan is committed to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club by his passion for teaching and guiding youth. The Club inspires him to become the best role model he can for all youth at the Club. He is also is committed to teaching all youth about goals setting and becoming the best version of themselves.
Nathan joined the cohort to gain knowledge on how to become a great leader. He wants to learn all he can from other leaders and use the information he learns to help at the Club. Learning from others has always been the best knowledge he has received.
Nate has two girls Brooklyn (13) and Leah (10) with his partner, Cassandra. In his free time he coaches an amateur baseball team. Nathan also loves spending time with his friends on the lake.
Darien Stegner 
Darien is currently the Site Manager of the Southside Boys & Girls Club. Although new to the organization. Darien has a history with coaching and mentoring youth in St. Cloud for the last four years.
He is a passionate mentor at the Boys & Girls Club, and also a new member of the cohort, where he is honing his leadership skills. He is very excited to make a positive impact and inspire others.
Boys & Girls Club encourages staff to engage with the community
Boys & Girls Club staff are encouraged to participate in community committees and boards, fostering stronger connections and resources within the community. The organization actively collaborates with key partners such as United Way, local schools, and the Chamber of Commerce. Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to empowering youth to reach their full potential, while also focusing on the growth and empowerment of its staff and the broader community, all in pursuit of a brighter future for everyone.