natalya bannister
Natalya Bannister
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Leaders Show Up Everyday Story by: Virginia Grant
“I
show up every day for the girls.”, states Natalya Bannister as she passionately talks about her role as Executive Director of PACE Center for Girls Alachua. Natalya was identified as a leader early in life. Even before the age of ten, her parents, teachers and most anyone that met her saw something special in her. She had a natural ability to defend any point and was an advocate for things that she was passionate about. Everyone, including Natalya expected her to become a lawyer. To begin her career in law she enrolled at the University of Florida
to pursue a Bachelors degree in Family, Youth and Community Science. While approaching graduation she began studying for the LSAT and decided to volunteer at the local Boys & Girls club as a practicum for her specialization in youth development. While volunteering at the Boys & Girls club she recognized her true passion was to serve underprivileged youth. Natalya states that the practicum, “Completely changed my life. This was something that I had to do. I took a huge risk.” She says that taking risks is a trait of great leadership. She also
believes that leaders are accountable and look for opportunities to gain more responsibilities. Which is exactly what she did at the Boys & Girls Club. Her first full time position there was in community outreach and each year she asked for more and more responsibility. Not always getting compensated for these extra responsibilities she states that she just wanted to learn as much as she could. This desire to learn and master skills eventually led to her promotion to Vice President of Operations. As she was learning on the job she continued her education
