Voice of the Athlete: Diana Camarillo
We had the opportunity to interview Diana Camarillo, the Teen Program Manager for the Girls in the Game organization that helps girls find their voice, discover their strength, and lead with confidence through fun and active leadership, sports, and health programs. There are 80 teens in the Teen Squad from ages 14-19, and even more in the Teen Club program. She dedicates her life to helping teen girls become future leaders in this nation. Let’s listen to the Voice of the Athlete: Diana Camarillo.
Learn more about confidence: https://www.MaximumComposure.com
Diana has been with Girls in the Game for two years. She graduated from Concordia University-River Forest with a BA in Political Science and Government, and she has a Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification. Diana prides herself on being impact-driven, a community builder, and a changemaker. She is responsible for curriculum development for Girls in the Game program throughout Chicago and Texas.
Question: How did you get involved with the Girls in the Game program?
Voice of the athlete: I first learned about Girls in the Game when I was teaching at a high school for kids with behavioral and emotional health disorders. I was interested in how movement, exercise, and sports helped regulate emotions, all while helping them build transferable skills and relationships.
Girls in the Game mission:
Every girl finds her voice, discovers her strength, and leads with confidence through fun and active sports, health, and leadership programs.
Girls in the Game vision:
Girls in the Game empowers all girls to be game changers.
Question: How long have you been active in the program, and what roles have you had in the organization?
Voice of the athlete: I have been with Girls in the Game for almost two years. And I have served as the Teen Programs Manager in Chicago. I now also oversee our program in Texas.
Question: Can you tell me about the Teen Squad and how it helps the girls in the program?
Voice of the athlete: Teen Squad is a unique opportunity that allows teens to gain leadership and confidence skills by coaching younger girls throughout their cities, all while earning scholarship money for post-secondary education. They also explore different careers by meeting and interviewing women from various career fields. More importantly, the program also allows the teens to build friendships and true connections with one another.
Question: How many teens are part of the program in a given year, and how often do they come back to the program?
Voice of the athlete: Throughout our programs in Chicago, Baltimore, and North Texas, we can serve up to 80 teens in Teen Squad and even more through our in-school Teen Club program.
Question: What are the biggest mental challenges that the girls face daily, and how does Girls in the Game help them overcome these challenges?
Voice of the athlete: I think most teens face issues around confidence, and we try to give them opportunities that help them see themselves as leaders, not only when they're coaching, but also by being leaders in their communities.
Question: Are there programs available to boys as well that you know of?
Voice of the athlete: Girls in the Game is a sports-based youth program for girls and girl-identifying teens. However, there are many great sports-based youth programs out there that are co-ed, and for boys specifically as well.
Question: When was a time that you were inspired by a teen, and did it impact you?
Voice of the athlete: I am constantly inspired by the teens in our programs and their hard work and dedication not only to the program, but also to their school work, their jobs, and their families.
Question: What is the biggest success story of one of the girls in the program?
Voice of the Athlete: I don't have a favorite success story but I enjoy catching up with the teens after they graduate from high school. I like to hear about all of their college adventures and how their career interests have evolved with time.
Question: What brings you the most joy in this role?
Voice of the Athlete: Seeing the teens build their confidence and leadership skills over time is definitely my favorite part of the job.
Question: What is the best piece of advice that you give the girls?
Voice of the Athlete: Honestly, they give pretty good advice themselves. But I often tell them that their mistakes do not define them.
Question: What legacy do you want to leave?
Voice of the Athlete: I want to uplift the dreams and goals of the teens that I work with since I am lucky enough to work with them. And I want to help expand the program so that it is more equitable and can reach more teens than ever.
Check out Girls in the Game: http://www.GirlsintheGame.com
Thank you, Diana Camarillo, for being the Voice of the Athlete and giving us a glimpse into the life of the Girls in the Game program. You are helping to grow the next generation of women leaders.
Check out what Diana has been up to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianacamarillo24/
If you would like to connect with Diana to learn more about the teen's program, email her at dcamarillo@girlsinthegame.org.
To listen to the voices of other athletes, visit: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/voice-of-the-athlete
What would Diana like us to know?
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis is having a deep impact on girls.
49% of girls and 36% of boys feel more lonely currently, according to Common Sense Media's 2020 report. Additionally, 56% of teens, especially black and Hispanic/Latina teens and girls, worry about keeping up with schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The Chicago Tribune reports that the communities where the girls in Girls in the Game programs live will be among the hardest hit during and after the crisis.
Therefore, it is crucial for girls to maintain their connections to coaches and the Girls in the Game team. To continue providing a vital girl-only space during and after COVID-19, Girls in the Game has launched a #stayinthegame campaign with virtual programs. Though they had to cancel fundraising events, they remain committed to reaching girls during this time, wherever they may be. Girls in the Game asks for your help to continue keeping girls in the game, both now and in the future.
https://support.girlsinthegame.org/campaign/general-donation/c247307
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