We are dedicated to creating a supportive, growth-focused environment for all staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. The Great Futures Leadership Program is a prime example of how our organization actively recognizes and nurtures employee potential.
Now on its 3rd cohort, the Great Futures Leadership Program (GFLP) 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.
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 Organizational 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
Spotlight on Participants:
Stefan Ahles: A dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Club for five years, Stefan is deeply passionate about giving back to his community. Stefan joined the Great Futures Leadership Program to push himself further away from being content with where he currently is while gaining a fresh perspective on the people and processes that keep the organization running smoothly. Stefan enjoys frisbee golf, video games, and spending quality time with his family.
Morgan Liebl: Morgan is the site manager at Pine Meadow KIDSTOP. She applied for the assistant site manager position at Oak Ridge KIDSTOP/KIDSTART and found her passion in working with the Kindergarten and Preschool members. She grew in her position as assistant and decided to apply for the site manager position. In the 2 years Morgan has been working for the Boys & Girls Club, she has learned what it means to be present for these kids and how much a listening ear can positively impact their day.
Morgan joined the cohort to gain new ideas to better her program and to give the same ideas to the other members. She also joined to become a more effective leader for everyone involved at her program, all staff, members, and parents alike.
Matthew Hoffman: Matthew is the Site Manager at Mississippi Heights KIDSTOP in Sauk Rapids. While his professional involvement with Boys & Girls Club began as a summer Youth Development Professional while attending St. John’s University, his tenure with the organization technically dates back to his KIDSTOP days from grades K-6. Matthew joined our organization in August 2024.
Matthew’s formative years spent at an incredible KIDSTOP site have modeled his management style into a team-oriented atmosphere. MHE is a challenging site as they regularly see 140 members for afternoon programming. Having a strong, dedicated, and empowered group of staff working at his site necessitates the focus on shared goals and teamwork.
Matthew is thrilled that he was selected for this year’s GFLP cohort. He enjoys the following quote, “If you are the smartest person in the room, you are probably in the wrong room.” –Confucius. He is humbled by the opportunity to work with and learn from such an incredible group of people. The cumulative years of professional and personal experiences as well as the team-focused approach that Brady DeGagne has cultivated within the program will certainly lead to significant professional and personal growth. Matthew hopes to take advantage of the program by improving in communication, implementing various strategies to increase the value of training provided to his site staff, and connect with others who possess a shared passion for working with children.
Outside of work, Matthew is typically chasing around his children whether that entails camping, splash pad visits, or family walks. He also enjoys playing guitar, reading, and is working on a novel. He is also excited to introduce his son and daughter to the BWCAW and Superior Hiking Trail in the near future. For those treks, however, his twin rescue dogs will probably stay home.
Wanda Hogie: Wanda is currently the Dance/Performing Arts Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. She is housed at our Eastside Club. Wanda has been serving the mission at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota for a little over a year. Wanda not only holds degrees in graphic design and photography, but also has an extensive history in dance and music. Wanda is an educator with the Central Minnesota Arts Board Teaching Artist Roster Program as well as being a Rhythm Works Integrated Dance certified instructor.
Wanda is committed to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club because of her passion to share healthy outlets with the youth. Not only does she provide instruction for dance and other types of performing arts, she mentors youth within the Club as well as the community. Wanda strives to empower youth through her program.
Wanda joined the Great Futures Leadership cohort to become a more effective leader, not only in the Club, but in the community as well. Wanda believes that everyone has a unique perspective in leadership. Sometimes we need to learn other’s leadership styles to help us adjust our perspective to lead better.
Wanda is a mom to three children, Bailey (27), Carolyn (18), and Lars (17). Wanda loves art on so many levels. She is not just a dancer, dance instructor, and graphic designer, she is also an artist, a musician and a photographer. Wanda is also very involved with the church she attends. She loves the outdoors, camping, fishing, hiking, spending time on the lake or in the mountains taking in the beauty that surrounds her.
Sheila Swaringer: Transitioning from corporate marketing to the Boys & Girls Club, Sheila found her calling in youth development. She progressed from Youth Development Professional in art at Westwood KIDSTOP to Site Manager at the Roosevelt Club. Sheila enjoys leading the Torch Club, which focuses on youth leadership. With a BA in Psychology and a background in behavioral analysis, she brings valuable skills in conflict resolution and character building. She has also completed the Supervisor Development Program through the Chamber of Commerce.
Pauline Mianmanus – Pauline grew up in the Philippines and spent 12 years in Bangkok, Thailand, before making Minnesota her home. With a background in videography, photography, and social media branding, she spent years working behind the scenes in television commercial as a line producer.
Now in her second year as the Communications Manager at the Boys & Girls Club, Pauline is passionate about storytelling and crafting images that share the impactful programs and life-changing opportunities that the Club provides to young people and the community. She feels fortunate to be part of a team that is committed to empowering youth. Pauline joined Great Futures Leadership Program to gain new skills and insights that will support her professional growth. Outside of work, she loves traveling, watching movies, and exploring different cuisines with her husband and twin daughters.
Shaelynn Waseka: As the Manager of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Southside Boys & Girls Club, Shae was motivated to join the Great Futures Leadership program because she is constantly seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth. She came across a quote when she was younger by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you. Those small things that make us uncomfortable help us build the courage to do the work we do.” Recognizing that she had become too comfortable in her routine, Shae decided to take a step outside her comfort zone by participating in this leadership program.
Pam Westergren: Pamela Westergren is currently the Accountant for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota and works at the Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club in the administrative office. Pamela started her journey with the Boys & Girls Club in 1999 as the Purchasing Assistant. She has worn many hats at the Boys & Girls Club throughout the years. Gaining knowledge and experience with each position change. Pamela joined the Great Futures Leadership Program to expand her personal and professional growth. She wants to learn more about staff from different parts of the Boys & Girls Club. Share their world experiences and how that impacted their journey with the Boys & Girls Club. Learning about how all our talents can bring what is needed to enrich the Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota.
Pamela enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and their two dogs Angel and Duke. In the summer she also enjoys a leisurely ride around her neighborhood on her electric bike. Winters are for cuddling in front of the fireplace watching movies and/or reading with the occasional argument with Mark on his “dog hogging.”