August 15, 2024, San Jose, CA – Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley (BGCSV) announced Erika French-Arnold as Executive Director of Teens and Postsecondary Success.
This hire is exciting for BGCSV as teen programming is critical to ensuring youth are prepared for college, career, and life. “BGCSV is thrilled to welcome Erika French-Arnold to the team,” said BGCSV President & CEO Steve Wymer. “Erika’s deep experience in program development and her passion for helping open doors for teens seeking opportunity will make a huge difference in the lives of the students we serve. We are excited to partner with Erika in serving BGCSV teens.”
French-Arnold brings a wealth of experience from 18 years at Santa Clara and Stanford Universities. Before joining BGCSV, she was the Associate Director of the Leadership for Society program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. At Santa Clara University, she directed the Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship, developed their Sustainable Food Systems minor and created and taught a sustainable food systems course in the Leavey School of Business. A California native, French-Arnold has a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz and a master’s degree from Santa Clara University. She is an avid runner, traveler, and mom.
“I am excited to partner with the Teens Team comprised of dynamic and dedicated staff focused on expanding opportunities for high school students in the communities we serve,” said French-Arnold. “As Executive Director of Teens and Postsecondary Success I plan on developing partnerships with regional colleges and universities, trade groups, and technical schools; increasing opportunities for internships and other work experience opportunities; expanding San José Aspires, Future Grads, Leaders in Training and Youth of the Year to more schools, more clubs and more students; and developing resources and support for our students after they graduate from high school.”
