Amanda Cooper: Building Community and Belonging at Club One
When Amanda Cooper talks about her path to becoming Program Director at Union League Boys & Girls Clubs’ Club One, one theme runs through everything she says: inclusivity.
Her journey began in the classroom as a bilingual teacher, where she made it her mission to ensure that every child felt seen and supported. “It started in the classroom of making sure all of my kids’ needs were met,” Amanda reflected. “Not only with their IEPs, but also that the community welcomed them. When everyone feels like we are all in this together, things run so much smoother and everyone grows.”
That same philosophy now guides her as she steps into her new role. For Amanda, it is not just about programs or schedules, but about identity. “I would really like to see the kids feel like this club could not operate without them being here,” she said. “I want them to feel proud, to see themselves as leaders, to be the star of the basketball game or the art show, and to invite their friends to come cheer them on.”
At the heart of her vision is a sense of community. She is inspired by the long history of Club One and the way so many families and partners have ties that go back generations. “A lot of kids and staff have a story here,” Amanda said. “We even have community partners who tell us, ‘I grew up down the street, I used to come here after school.’ That history, that connection, is really special. I want every young person to feel like they belong here, that this is their place.”
Amanda’s experience building partnerships from the Shedd Aquarium to the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation has shown her how powerful collaboration can be. At Club One, she sees an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local schools and create programs that connect kids to both learning and fun. A volleyball tournament this fall, for example, will bring together teams from different schools, building both competition and community. “It is about creating those moments of pride and connection,” she explained.
Her leadership style is grounded in empathy and shared experience. Having worked alongside her team before her promotion, Amanda brings deep knowledge of their day-to-day challenges. “We have been in the trenches together,” she said. “I know what their days are like, and I want to support them, hear their ideas, and move forward together.”
Outside of work, Amanda recharges in nature, often on long hikes or backpacking trips. That time outdoors fuels her creativity and keeps her grounded. She brings that same spirit of discovery back to the club, encouraging kids to explore their own interests rather than imposing choices on them. “It is about asking, ‘What are you into?’” she said. “Sometimes they discover something new they did not know they could do. That is where the magic happens.”
As she looks ahead, Amanda is excited to build on partnerships and programs that bring fresh opportunities to youth while honoring the history of Club One. “This place has been here for over 100 years,” she said. “It is about keeping that legacy alive while giving kids the pride, ownership, and sense of community that will stay with them long after they walk out the doors.”