Think Together Celebrates Helen Welderfael

Think Together is proud of our own Helen Welderfael who in January was announced as one of the National AfterSchool Association’s 2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. Since then, Helen has been featured on WorldNewsEra, Riverside County News Source, and Redlands City News Group.

Helen was recently interviewed for the Redlands Daily Facts where she emphasized how critical data has been especially in the pandemic. “I think the data helps us visualize the work that we have done, and also helps us figure out the work that needs to be done,” says Helen.

In selecting its 2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the National AfterSchool Association sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for the development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders. 

Helen has worked as our Regional Operations Analyst in our San Bernardino region for the last two-and-a-half years and was recently promoted to Data Operations Manager. She recently received her master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. During her time at Think Together, Helen has invested her strong organizational skills to support her region with new processes and systems.

“The afterschool program I attended was a safe place where I received mentorship, homework support and lasting memories. The experience contributed significantly to the person I am today and is the reason I wanted to have the opportunity to make a difference with the kids we work with,” says Helen.

Helen joins the ranks of two previous honorees of the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. In 2018, Alberto Bajaras, then quality assurance coach for Think Together’s San Bernardino Region was awarded and has since been promoted to Director of Program and Operations for the region. Stacy Galdamez, General Manager for Think Together’s San Gabriel Valley region was named in 2017 and was also a quality assurance coach at the time of her recognition. 

Congratulations Helen. Your hard work in the afterschool and expanded learning community has not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to have you as part of the Think Together family.