Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Carbray.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was one of 13 kids who grew up on a farm in Kansas. We all learned the value of education and work ethics from our parents. As a result we are all college graduates. I got my Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University and pursued a management position in the field of sports. I worked for a variety of sports teams in the North American Soccer League and landed in Fresno with the intention of bringing Triple-A baseball to California. My husband John, and I put together the Fresno Diamond Group in 1992 to purchase the Fresno Grizzlies and work with the City of Fresno to build a first-class Stadium, now known as Chukchansi Park in downtown. In 2006 I joined the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County as Asst. Executive Director, focusing on all facets of the organization. I became President/CEO in 2017, becoming only the 3rd president in our 75-years of service to the communities. We serve over 3,000 youth at 14 Club sites around the County.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many challenges along the way, but I have found that being persistent and determined get me through tough times. I have had to adapt through the the changing political challenges in the City of Fresno, then the 2008 economic slowdown, and then the days of the Covid-19, creating ways to re-open and keep staff engaged. And we have our our own club sites and facilities and that is a constant challenge.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County?
I’m proud of the relationships that Boys & Girls Clubs has in our communities. We have an excellent and involved Board of Directors, Program Staff, administration, and especially the relationships with the kids we serve.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, how to work as a team to turn the crisis into an opportunity to be unique and adapt to serve children when even the schools were closed. We opened back up very quickly and learned the value of having a greater positive impact with youth, especially with providing learning hubs with one-on-one mentorship. Our youth were able to excel in schools, when they re-opened because of the services we were able to provide during the shutdown.
Pricing:
- We serve youth for the low fee of only $10.00 per year!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bgcfresno.org
- Instagram: @BGCFresnoCounty
- Facebook: @BGCFresnoCounty
