From left, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg Chief Executive Officer Lynn Reins, Mary Street Program Director Dasia Russell and Mary Street Unit Director Darlene Murphy commemorate Russell’s receipt of the Herman S. Prescott award which is given to people who embody diversity, equality and empowerment. The award was presented at a Boys & Girls Clubs of America Midwest Regional Leadership Conference in Milwaukee. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — In October, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg celebrated a member of leadership staff for her receipt of a prestigious award and the completion of five goals for the pilot Operation Impact program in the Midwest region of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Mary Street Program Director Dasia Russell traveled with other organizational leadership to the Midwest Regional Conference with Boys & Girls Clubs of America where she was presented with the Herman S. Prescott award for her dedication to promoting equality, diversity and empowerment in her role at the Clubhouse.

Russell received this honor for her “belief in the principles of diversity, equality and empowerment (which is) the hallmark of (her) work within the Boys & Girls Club’s Movement.”

The award is presented yearly to a member of The Professional Association, a group dedicated to Boys & Girls Club career professionals who work to “provide a pathway for sustained individual and professional growth ensuring successful leaders for the future,” according to its website.

Russell was a Club member herself when she was young and started working for the organization three years ago. She began as a youth development professional and was promoted to program director in 2023.

From left, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg Mary Street Unit Director Darlen Murphy, Mary Street Program Director Dasia Russell, Chief Executive Officer Lynn Reins and Chief Operations Officer Justin Clark received recognition for being one of the 108 organizations in the region to complete all of the goals set for Operation Impact which focuses on teen engagement, life and workforce readiness, digital transformation, national programs and trauma informed practices. The organization was recognized at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Midwest Regional Conference in October in Milwaukee. (Photo Provided)

“When I first heard I won the award, I was surprised and felt a huge wave of gratitude. It was great to have my work recognized, especially since I truly care so much about what we do and for the kids,” Russell said. “It made me think about the journey we’ve been on, the challenges we’ve faced and the positive impact we’ve made together.”

Over the past year, her supervisor, unit director Darlene Murphy, has witnessed Russell embody the qualities of the Herman S. Prescott award and she was happy to nominate her.

“She includes diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of her work from interviews to staff training, and in her work with the youth in our club. She celebrates diversity and works with all to embrace and respect all staff and club members, no matter their race, color, religious background or any other unique qualifier,” Murphy said. “I am honored to serve members alongside her and work to make our Clubhouse a safe place for all kids and their respected adults.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg’s Chief Operations Officer Justin Clark said Russell is a prime example of the organization’s values and is grateful she can spread her positive influence to fellow staff members.

“She is a key member of the leadership team of our Mary Street Clubhouse. Her commitment to diversity, equity and empowerment for all club members sets the standard for club practice across our region,” Clark said. “We are lucky to have her investing daily in the lives of our club members and I personally can’t wait to watch Dasia continue to grow in her personal and professional development as a result of this prestigious recognition.”

Winning the award motivates Russell to continue to provide the best programming to the Mary Street Clubhouse and feels fortunate to find fulfillment in her work, she said.

“This award reminded me of how important our community is and how much we can continue to achieve. Knowing that my efforts have helped young people is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It also motivates me to keep pushing for new programs and ideas that can support our mission even more. It was a moment of pride and a boost to keep making a difference.”

During the conference, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg was recognized as one of the 108 organizations across the Midwest region that has reached 100% of the Operation Impact goals.

This February, the initiative launched goals in the areas of teen engagement, life and workforce readiness, digital transformation, national programs and trauma informed practices. The organization reached these goals by mid-September.

“I am proud to say that BGCP was the first organization in West Virginia to complete all five goal areas and is working towards reaching the goals set in all areas,” Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg CEO Lynn Reins said. “These five areas are broad and allow each Club organization to set attainable goals for themselves and the youth we serve, all while building collective impact across the entire country, lifting our youth up and providing them with strong foundations for great futures. We were recognized at the Midwest Leadership Conference along with our counterparts from across 13 states that have already reached their goals as well.”