Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Gikas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When people ask me how I got to where I am today and how I developed the confidence to become a leader, I always start with my parents. At six years old, I lost my father unexpectedly to a heart attack and since then, my mom had to work seven days a week to provide for my sisters and I. To those who can relate to what it’s like being raised by a single parent knows that growing up is stressful, challenging, and confusing. Many things never came easy to us, but I never saw it as a weakness, I saw it as an opportunity to take charge of my own life – because no one had time to guide me through it.
My high school years were a little intense; I was diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis and in and out of the hospital and physical therapy appointments. I was rebellious, confused, angry, and an outcast. What grounded me was my few friends, family, and listening to music.
When it was time to pursue higher education, I found myself at North Park University, a small private school in Chicago. Attending college was always an expectation for my siblings and me, but I never understood it’s value until my professors saw the value in me. As I began to study sociology, criminal justice, and conflict transformation, I found that I was really good at seeing the flaws in the world and voicing what needed to be changed. I couldn’t believe that injustice was happening all around us and no one was willing to do anything about it.
What pulled on my heartstrings the most was how vulnerable adolescents were to the system and how much I could relate and empathize with them. My professors encouraged me to take on leadership positions and focus my energy on things that would make a positive impact in the community – so I did. I began the first Criminal Justice Club, first Peace Festival on campus, and mentored teens in Chicago Public Schools. These moments were so impactful because I found my voice as a leader and recognized that teens needed someone that understood their struggles and advocate for them.
I went for my Masters in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago immediately after, because I knew it was a way for me to professionally advocate for adolescents. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to work for Loyola’s First Star Program, where we served a cohort of high school students in the foster care system. I saw so much of myself in their pain, anger, and rebellious behavior that I once had in high school because they had a part of them missing or felt misunderstood. I knew with enough support, they could make it through those years like I did. Shortly after this experience, I found myself as the Executive Director of the Winnetka Youth Organization, where I help teens find themselves through all those emotions and not be afraid to live their best life.
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, my experience with the organization has been positive and inspiring. I absolutely love what I have learned along the way from some of the more challenging moments. Here’s one: after only two months of working at the organization, someone from maintenance was moving a cabinet and clipped our sprinkler system. The entire organization was flooded with five inches of water and destroyed all of our furniture, files, electronics, and programming supplies. It was horrific, but I learned a lot about patience, insurance, advocacy, and how generous the community is with their time and resources.
I found this challenging moment to be a blessing in disguise because I realized how incredibly powerful the WYO’s presence is in the community for teens and their families. This challenge allowed the community to come together and put in efforts to revamp the space to meet the needs of the modern teen. I also had many visits from adults who once used WYO’s services and drop-in center when they were in high school. They expressed their gratitude and memories, that were filled with smiles, laughter, and self-reflection. Today’s teens were eager to help and make space their own. Now, we have a drop-in center that is modern, relatable, and warm for all – they love it!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
When I tell people about the Winnetka Youth Organization, I want them to think these words: Community, leadership, art, music, and service.
The Winnetka Youth Organization has been dedicated to putting their teens first and creating a safe culture within their after-school drop-in center since 1969. WYO’s vision is to make all teens feel welcome and accepted for who they are and what they are interested in and embrace their talents – in hopes that they lead lives of integrity and service. Uniquely, they serve teens from every social group and maintain relatable programming that allows teens to build new connections.
Teens refer to us as the “YO” and we are proud of all the free programs we offer. Our music events are the most popular because we provide a venue in which young people feel comfortable performing, regardless of their experience. We’ve had famous bands like Fall Out Boy and recent artists such as Louis the Child begin showcasing their talents in our center while they were in high school. I love that we give teens the opportunity to be their authentic selves in a non-judgemental space because we witness the most beautiful art come to life. Moreover, every Saturday we bring a group of teens together to give back to their community. Through volunteering at non-profits such as the Infant Welfare Society, Bernie’s Book Bank, and the Heartland Animal Shelter, we give the space for our teens to reflect and practice gratitude. We want our youth to grow up to be strong, courageous, and thoughtful leaders and it’s important for them to be exposed to different ways of life.
Truthfully, what sets us apart from other spaces is that we don’t place judgment on anyone. We aren’t teachers giving a grade or a parent who has to constantly worry about their child’s future – we simply love to listen, empathize and trust others feelings and opinions. Our professional staff has credentials in education and social work, which makes a great support team for our teens. We are mindful of how difficult and exciting the adolescent years are and do our best to fill in the needs of every generation.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! I love working in the city of Winnetka and want to move here one day. I wake up every morning knowing that I will have positive and inspiring interactions with the community and I think that’s what makes this city so special. Everyone is willing to help each other and give a lending hand to those in need. There are so many non-profits that surround this community, doing so many good things and you feel it every day. It has been fun to collaborate with other community influencers that share a common goal of making the world a better, safer place.
Contact Info:
- Address: 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093
- Website: www.winnetkayo.org
- Phone: 847-446-0443
- Email: info@winnetkayo.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewinnetkayo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/winnetkayouthorg
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/winnetkayo
Image Credit:
Scott Edwards of efg Image
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