FKO Site Director Jenny Ruiz-Hernandez Shares Her Journey from Assistant Group Leader to Site Director

“Growing up, I always aspired to work with children and families, whether as a midwife, teacher, or school counselor. My dream was to make a positive impact on the lives of children, nurturing their growth and well-being. However, I had a hard time picturing myself reaching those dreams. I was the type of person who sat quietly and hardly ever spoke, making it hard to envision my career journey and connect with my purpose.

I began my journey at FKO as an Assistant Group Leader in one of our Chelsea programs at the age of 17, uncertain if I would succeed working with children due to my minimal experience. I decided to give myself the chance to follow my dreams. I was eager to learn and interact with the children daily.

Despite my self-doubt, my supervisor at the time saw something in me and provided me with opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. My peers, with years of experience, taught me the importance of working with children and the difference we could make in their lives. It was eye-opening for my younger self to understand that my passion for working with children could have such a meaningful impact.

After six months as an Assistant, I was promoted to Group Leader. The day of my first promotion is a day I will forever cherish. I was thrilled to lead my own group of children and create a safe environment for them. I constantly came up with ways to create lasting memories, leading enrichment clubs and engaging activities that fostered their development. As the children were learning, I was learning with them.

My journey with FKO continued, when I was asked to transfer my skills to FKO’s program in Revere. Leaving the children and team I had grown close to was one of the hardest things I had to do. However, I was excited to experience a new environment and meet new peers. Working in Revere allowed me to step out of my comfort zone even more and gain more experience working with various school-age groups. I had the opportunity to grow within my own potential.

Finally, after two years of hard work and a lot of fun with the kids, I was given the chance to become an interim Site Director. This role eventually transitioned into a permanent position in March 2023. This promotion marked a significant milestone in my career, solidifying my commitment to youth development and leadership.

Being a Site Director has been an incredible opportunity. Ensuring that all the children have fun and a safe space to thrive has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the chance to see first-hand the positive impact out-of-school-time programs have on children, and I am grateful to be part of such a positive change.” Jennifer Ruiz-Hernandez, FKO Site Director