Chief Program Officer Gloria Hampton was recently honored by the Missouri Afterschool Network with the Outstanding Afterschool Professional Award for her work with Unleashing Potential’s programs that focus on socio-emotional success and Science, Technology, Engineering, Cultural Arts and Math (STEAM) in diverse neighborhoods in St. Louis.
The Outstanding Afterschool Professional award is presented to an individual who serves as a model to other afterschool professionals around the state, exhibiting career proficiency and personal excellence. The individual is not only a leader in afterschool programming, but also in making positive contributions to the field of afterschool in Missouri.
The recognition came during the 2022 Celebration of Afterschool program, which is part of the annual Missouri School age Community Coalition (MOSAC2) Professional Development Institute.
“I am proud of our unique program culture…”
Ms. Hampton has 20 years of work experience in the nonprofit sector with organizations serving children, youth and families. She has worked in all capacities from directing and managing programs to providing direct service working with infants through young adults. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Washington University and a bachelor’s in human environmental sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has been with Unleashing Potential since 2012.
Gloria Hampton has served in a youth development capacity for over 20 years.
“It is an honor to be nominated,” Ms. Hampton said. “I am proud, not only for the opportunity to represent Unleashing Potential and our unique program culture, but also to contribute to the future of afterschool in the state of Missouri.”
Representation in Other Areas of Youth Development
Unleashing Potential was represented during other segments of the program as well: Shawnica Andrews and Shanise Lewis earned their Youth Development Credentials; Dr. Yolanda Campbell was recognized for her accomplishment of a Doctorate of Education; and Gundia Lock-Clay was celebrated for her retirement after 16 years of service.
From left to right – Shawnica Andrews, Dr. Yolanda Campbell, Shanise Lewis, Gundia Lock-Clay and Gloria Hampton
Closing the Opportunity Gap
Unleashing Potential was founded originally as Neighborhood Houses in 1913 with the mission to close the opportunity gap for children and youth by building on their strengths. A United Way agency since 1955, Unleashing Potential creates educational and empowering experiences through early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps.
The annual MOSAC2 Professional Development Institute, organized by the Missouri Afterschool Network, is tailored to meet the unique needs of afterschool professionals to increase knowledge regarding youth development; increase resources for programming ideas; increase skills for working with staff, youth, and families of afterschool programs; and increase networking opportunities with other afterschool professionals to promote collaboration in the community.
The Missouri Afterschool Network ensures high-quality afterschool programs for Missouri’s school-age youth by building partnerships and systems across the state that aim to improve, support and sustain. It works toward the shared goals of building partnerships at the local, state, and national levels, supporting policies that sustain and advance afterschool programs, and ensuring quality by creating statewide systems for programs and professionals.
