Lake Los Angeles – Stephen Sorensen Community Regional Park – Ms. Ymani was hired as Permanent Recreational Services Leader in June 2023, where she has faced challenges and risen to the occasion each and every time. When people, supplies or product didn’t perform or arrive in time, or a quick pivot of an event took place, she managed to find another way and make every event a rousing success. Ymani has the skillsets and dedication to make that special effort that is required to successfully deal with a difficult situation.

An unintended career for Ymani started in 2017 when she was sweet 16 and landed a job with the Youth Worker Program. She was hired under the cheer program and worked it for 2 years. Before that, she has been in and around Lake Los Angeles as her grandparents are longtime residents of the community. She enrolled in cheer at the park at 9 years old.

She graduated from Knight High School in 2019. While in high school, she was involved in park coverage and some administrative duties. After graduation from Knight, she went on to CSUN but continued to work at the park during special events.

Then Covid hit. All youth worker positions were put on temporary leave during the Pandemic and classes were online. The world stood still.

In March of 2022, Regina Bradley told Ymani about the AJCC Youth@Work program which brought her back to the park, although not as an official Los Angeles County park employee. During this time, she was hired as a park aide for two months before being placed in the position of Temporary Recreational Services Leader. She was offered the Lead in the after-school program called Our Spot and held that position until June2023 when she was awarded the Permanent Recreational Services Leader where she is today.

Ymani explained, “I want to protect our community and our youth. I have learned how strong Lake LA youth are. They gave me a new perspective on who they are. Without Our Spot I never would have understood these kids or what they are and the way they are. I make sure they are OK and protected and exposed to what is better in their best interests. They respond if you give them a chance. They found Our Spot is a safe place and where then can be exposed to a peaceful calm environment.

“I encourage others to look into Our Spot. We take their interest and teach them accordingly. We dig into their potential and make it a reality for them, for life. They will respond and they will take off.

“We have four more weeks of PAD. Everything we do is completely free to the community. We have activities and events for all ages. We want to bring the community together again.”

It’s hot! The splash pad is cool inside or around it. The trees provide comfortable shade on the lawns. The sun goes down and so does the thermometer. PAD is incredible opportunities for Lake Los Angeles. Music and movies are extraordinary entertainment for all. Spread the word: Come to 2023 Summer PAD at the Park.

Ymani continues her education at Antelope Valley Community College majoring in biology. She will continue to check all of the boxes and continue on the learning pathway to graduation.

By Shirley Harriman