Voices from the Field: Elevating and Celebrating the Impact of Kewhan Dickerson

“My mindset has always been about impacting kids; making sure they are safe, learning something and having fun.”

This is a quote from Kewhan Dickerson, Site Director with the YMCA of Metro Denver. Members of the Denver Afterschool Alliance team sat down with Kewhan for a candid conversation on his experience with the YMCA, the impact he believes he is having, and so much more for our new spotlight series, Voices from the Field: Elevating and Celebrating Impact, where we interview and share the story of OST professionals and organizations serving in various roles that are making a demonstrated impact on Denver communities.

Kewhan’s OST career started 12 years ago when he was hired as a part-time program leader for the YMCA of Metro Denver. He was taking college courses at the time and had no idea the trajectory his life was about to take when he said “yes” to the position. His dynamic personality and gentle, warm smile draws people of all ages into his orbit. He was quickly identified as a rising young leader and now leads afterschool and summer program sites as well as mentors countless Y staff. 
We are honored to share our conversation with Kewhan, an individual who epitomizes and embodies what it means to make an impact!

DAA Team: What has the journey been like working at the YMCA? What is your “why” and what have you learned?
Kewhan: The YMCA was my first full time job. My mindset has always been about impacting kids; making sure they are safe, learning something and having fun. Initially, I thought I would just play with them and have fun. I quickly realized it is about creating a balance and the impact that could be felt went way beyond what is even imagined. I learned you have to be on point as there are many parts to a great program. I want to teach kids open dialogue. You will be heard. I am a fair guy and will tell you why I do things.

DAA Team: Tell us about being promoted to Site Director.
Kewhan: I had to learn the balance between relationships and setting boundaries. They saw the potential in me to be a director and get me out of my comfort zone. It was scary to take the next step. You add another layer of safety, etc. when you are “in charge.” I knew how to build relationships, practiced protocols and knew this is what was needed to be successful. I was able to grow into my personality. I was able to show up authentically.

DAA Team: Research tells us that having positive relationships with adults is critical for developing resilience and their success. What is your experience with that growing up and how does that impact your work now?
Kewhan: I had quite a few role models. I had my mom and grandma who were really strong. I yearned for the male guidance that I didn’t have and I wanted to be that for young people. Being with a single mom, I longed for a different voice. I want to give young people the mindset that they are worthy. I’ve gotten messages from youth telling me the impact I’ve made on them over the years. I love that; it warms my heart. Sometimes you don’t know you are doing well, until a young person shares that with you later.

DAA Team: Can you share a story of an "ah-ha" moment when you knew your work was having an impact?
Kewhan: A former participant found me on social media and I was surprised it was me he was talking about! How I am a part of their success? He saw me as someone who was fully engaged, took time to get to know him for who is, gave him a voice, and truly felt that I was there for him when needed it. I didn’t dismiss him and knew he could come to me with anything.

DAA Team: We know afterschool programs, particularly in under resourced areas, are critically important and a strategy for youth violence prevention and having positive role models is critical. What does it mean to YOU to be a role model in the communities you serve and with the youth?
Kewhan: It’s a big thing to be a role model, a lot of kids don’t have one, let alone a positive male role model. Changing the mindset on how youth think about certain things. How to build self-confidence and build resiliency skills. Doing the leadership work with StandUP had me peel back the layers and the coaching I received, I learned is holding yourself accountable as a leader. Think about your presence as a leader as that will ripple out to your staff. You choose how you show up even when there is a lot happening in your own life. The kids need your full presence.
 
DAA Team: What role do you see afterschool programs play in closing the racial equity gap?
Kewhan: Having positive black males can make a positive impact on youth of any racial/ethnic background. I believe I have broadened the perspective of youth and breaking stereotypes. It will impact them down the road when they are around others like me and they can base their “judgment” and actions based on their experience with me.

DAA Team: Any final thoughts?
Kewhan: If I am supported and able to grow in the organization, make mistakes and learn and grow from them, when I feel trusted and supported by the organization, I feel empowered to advocate for parents and kids. It’s a ripple effect…if you feel supported as an employee, you can give that to kids and families.

DAA Team: What is the legacy you want to leave in the OST field?
Kewhan: I made impacts that will last a lifetime. 

We asked colleagues and peers to tell us what makes Kewhan so special:

"Staff came back year after year because of Kewhan. (His) relationship and leadership with young professionals in the field is making an impact!" ~Kim Schulz, former executive leader at the YMCA

"Kewhan is a rock for all of us. Kids are drawn to him like a magnet. There is truly something so magnetic about him, you just want to be in and around his energy." ~YMCA coworker
 
“Kewhan is exactly the type of person we want leading afterschool programs.  He brings positive energy to everything he does, he vulnerably shares himself with others, and he shows up with a warmth that is contagious.” ~Amy Brady, Founder of StandUP