“You Matter” Ericka Medina’s Journey from Program Participant to Leader

“At the age of 14, the Red Hook Initiative saved my life. I was connected to important mentors, who believed in me and said, ‘You matter. You have something in you that we can magnify. It’s your excellence and it’s your tool to go ahead and take over the world.’”

Ericka Medina shares her journey from a participant of the Brooklyn-based youth development program, Red Hook Initiative, to serving as its Senior Director of Programs. The program’s impact continues to fuel her growth: in 2022, Ericka joined the Harlem Gallery of Science  as Deputy Director. 

Looking for a moment of inspo? Check out these short clips featuring Ericka Medina and her work:
- Valuing and supporting OpportunityYouth
- Listening to youth
LeaderStories shares 90-second profiles of for-purpose leaders around the globe who are using their passion to shift power and transform communities. Visit LeaderStories.org.