A Voice for the Future: Celebrating Ale’jah, 2025 Youth of the Year Finalist
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, we believe in the potential of every child who walks through our blue doors. Ale’jah, a high school senior from our Leesburg Branch and one of our 2025 Youth of the Year finalists, is living proof of what’s possible when young people are empowered through academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and the life-changing guidance of a nurturing community. Read her story to see how the Club has helped shape her into the remarkable leader she is today.
Since joining the Club at age six, Ale’jah has been on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and growth. What began as an effort to find belonging after experiencing severe bullying at school quickly became a transformational experience. Through programs like Smart Girls and Money Matters, Ale’jah found not only her voice but also her confidence, leadership skills, and her vision for a GREAT future.
Ale’jah’s passion for advocacy and healthcare runs deep. An aspiring OB/GYN, she is deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes for African American women and fighting for medical equity. From job-shadowing physicians at the FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute to conducting an AP Research project on African American maternal care, her academic and extracurricular efforts speak volumes about her drive to create lasting, positive change in our community and in the world.
But what makes Ale’jah truly special is her ability to turn adversity into empowerment. Her early struggles with bullying didn’t break her — they built her. With guidance from caring mentors like Club Director Mrs. Tonya Porter-Connelly and staff members Ms. Rosalyn Castile and Mrs. Christine Brooks, Ale’jah developed the confidence to speak at major events like the Black & White Ball, the Blue Door Ball, and our Celebrate the Children gala, where she joined fellow Youth of the Year finalists as a poised and inspiring emcee.
Ale’jah is not just a future medical professional — she is a leader, a visionary, and a driving force behind meaningful conversations and progress. Her leadership roles in organizations like HOSA and FBLA have allowed her to serve others while developing her own unique voice and vision. Ale’jah believes in adapting programs to meet the diverse needs of young people across the country, an approach that reflects the very heart of our mission.
We are endlessly proud of Ale’jah’s accomplishments and inspired by her commitment to service, advocacy, and excellence. She embodies the core values of our organization: leadership, character, and a relentless pursuit of a GREAT future — for herself and for others.
Ale’jah, thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. We are honored to support you, cheer for you, and watch as you rise to incredible heights. Your story is just beginning, and we cannot wait to see the lives you will touch and the change you will create.
Keep shining.
