Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Rojas-Taylor
Hi Danielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with social work began after graduating high school in 2011. Through various internship and job opportunities, I had the chance to support several different youth serving organizations during my time in college. After earning my Masters degree in Social Work from The University at Albany, I spent almost 5 years as a Clinician in the residential foster care system. During the COVID pandemic, I moved to Cleveland with my now husband, and found the organization I currently work for, and have for the last 4 years. Boys Hope Girls Hope has been instrumental in my growth as a leader in youth development. I have held different titles since beginning my time with BHGH – and am now the Director of Academy, our out of school time program holistically serving 6th – 11th grade scholars throughout Cleveland and Akron. It has been an honor to do this work, and support the most incredible young people in their journey towards a successful future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When working with youth, or people in general, I’d say it’s never smooth, at least at all times! Being able to adapt, and adjust to meet the needs of those you’re supporting is key. For me, some challenges along the way would mostly include caring for myself through rough patches. Compassion fatigue and burnout are real, and early on in my career I found myself struggling with the emotional load I would take home day to day. There are so many barriers that you run into when trying to help, and I found it really hard to come to terms with that. Still to this day, I will always go above and beyond to do what I can – but recognize now the importance of caring for myself at the same time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The organization I work for, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio, is best known for providing holistic programming for young people in under-resourced communities throughout Cleveland and Akron with the tools and support they need to become thriving adults. My role in this as the Director of Academy, is to oversee all programming aspects for our 6th-11th grade scholars and ensure our staff is equipped to deliver high quality programming through a culturally competent lens. As a social worker in a space filled with staff from various backgrounds, I’m most proud of the work I’ve done surrounding our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, as well as prioritizing the emotional safety of our space through our culture. I’ve always placed high importance on serving our youth holistically as individuals and meeting their basic needs before expecting them to learn. Although I have high expectations for our scholars, because I know they are capable of great things, meeting them where they’re at and incorporating time for authentic relationships to be built is very important to me.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Relationships with others. Everyone needs someone to support them, and to actively hear and see them. That is my goal with all of the interactions I have!
