Articles

Judith J. Carter has more than 25 years experience as an educator and human services professional. As Senior Vice President of Program Services, Carter is responsible for developing and implementing national programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

She began her Boys & Girls Club career in 1980 serving as Center Director for a B&GCA affiliate, Crime Prevention Association of Philadelphia. Carter joined the national office as B&GCA's first Director of Career Development, where she was a trainer, managed the Robert W. Woodruff Fellowship Program for aspiring Club executives and created the Junior Staff Career Development Program. She has also worked as an elementary school teacher and counselor, an adjunct professor of psychology at Brandywine College in Claymont, DE, and an administrator for juvenile delinquency prevention programs in Philadelphia.

Carter received her masters degree in education, with a concentration in counseling psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Cheyney State University in Cheyney, PA.

Carter has won numerous awards. She was selected as a participant in the esteemed first class of the Thomas G. Garth Executive Leadership Program and was the 1998 recipient of the Herman S. Prescott Award sponsored by the Concerned Professional Committee of the Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals. At the May 2000 National Conference of Boys & Girls Clubs of America held in New Orleans, LA, Judith was inducted into the Academy of Boys & Girls Club Professionals as a Master and Mentor. Her likeness is etched in marble in the Wall of Fame at the National Headquarters in Atlanta.

CJS: Describe a significant mentor of your professional experience with B&GCA. Why was this person significant in your life?

JJC: One of the most significant mentors of my professional career within the Movement was Arthur Gewirtz. He was the CPO of Crime Prevention Association in Philadelphia, PA (Crime Prevention Association is an affiliated Club organization similar to Children's Aid Society in New York City).

Gewirtz opened a lot of doors for me; he exposed me to new experiences. Gewirtz was a motivator; he stretched me by putting me in tough situations that he knew I could achieve. But, he never walked away. He was a great support system; Gewirtz taught me to be politically as well as street savvy. He taught me that I need more than academic intelligence to succeed.

CJS: Describe one of your most significant professional experiences... a turning point.

JJC: A turning point in my career in the Movement was going to the Management Program (now the Executive Leadership Program). It was there that I realized that this was going to be a career for me. Moreover, I learned the history of the Movement and its complexity; the importance of operating the Club like a business; how to access community needs; and how to galvanize their support. I learned it was more than just working with youth. I acquired a new set of skills that I did not receive in school.

CJS: What are the most critical issues facing African American professionals in the Movement?

JJC: First, African American professionals lack equitable opportunities for advancements. Secondly, African American professionals need mentors that will stick their necks out and help you; African American professionals lack a genuine support system. Finally, African American professionals need to realize that relocation can help your career advancement.

CJS: What advice do you have for young, African American professionals? What areas of the career development should they focus?

JJC: First young, African American professionals can't be afraid to work hard and take risks. There is an old adage: "Hard-work is an investment in your future." Young professionals should take the grunt jobs, get experience and demonstrate excellence. Be known for being consistently excellent! Actions speak louder than words! Also when opportunity knocks, be prepared and don't be afraid to walk through that door!

Secondly, young African American professionals should be willing to network outside of their comfort zone. They should serve on task forces and committees outside of the Movement. These experiences will help them to broaden themselves and grow as professionals. Young professionals should not get tunnel vision. They should know more than just Boys & Girls Club work. Stretch and serve outside of your comfort zone and you will be enriched by it. What you give will always come back to you in countless ways.

Thirdly, African American professionals should read everything they can get their hands on. They should read all genres of literature: newspapers, magazines, sports, best-sellers, business, politics and entertainment news. This breadth of knowledge will enable them to be conversant on a wide range of topics with a diverse group of people.

Judith J. Carter was recently married, and her name has changed to Judith J Pickens.

By: Dr. Carter Savage - Vice President - Youth Development Services
Boys & Girls Clubs of America