ORLANDO, Fla. – During the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 117th annual national conference on May 4, 2023 in Orlando, the youth-development organization welcomed nine new faces to its 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame class, according to a prepared statement.
This year’s ceremony gathered youth development leaders and stakeholders from across the nation to recognize and honor the impact of nine individuals who attribute their time at a Boys & Girls Club as a key part of their journey to becoming successful adults.
From award-winning media personalities to sports icons and coaches, and other top industry professionals, the 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees reflect the outstanding outcomes Boys & Girls Club members can achieve when they have safe spaces, caring mentors and life-enhancing opportunities during their formative years.
Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame welcomed:
• John Quiñones, ABC News Correspondent
• Michael S. Regan, US Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
• Rick Carlisle, NBA Head Coach (Indiana Pacers)
• Vera Jones, former ESPN Analyst and Author
• Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah (aka Kofi Kingston), WWE Superstar
• Austin Watson (aka Xavier Woods), WWE Superstar
• Marvin L. McIntyre, Founder & CEO, Marvelous Enterprises
• Tony Alva, Professional Skateboarder
• Shayla Cowan, Emmy-nominated film and TV producer, Chief of Staff, Will Packer Productions (part of the first all-Black team to produce the Oscars)
As leaders and role models, these honorees share a passion for helping the next generation of kids and teens achieve great futures. They also serve as key examples of the access that young people have to mentors during the after-school and summer youth development programs at Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Every year, we are honored to welcome top industry leaders and professionals into our Alumni Hall of Fame during this special induction ceremony,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “On the heels of celebrating our 5,000th Boys & Girls Club milestone, we are reminded of the power of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission and the opportunity we have to shape the future with great leaders.”
Additional highlights of the 117th National Conference include a celebration party led by DJ D-Nice, youth talent performances and closing remarks by Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame member and supporter, former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez.