The leadership model that has been developed at After-School All-Stars is based on the belief that students will only learn transformational leadership skills if they are teamed with “real models.” Real models are mentors who are authentically committed to transforming lives by “walking the walk.” These individuals illustrate an ability to collaborate with others to establish leadership and achievement.

In developing the transformational model at After-School All-Stars, we learned that youth development begins with staff development. In order to transform the lives of today’s youth, an organization must first invest time and energy in first transforming the adults who will be leading and mentoring youth participants. If an organization skips this vital step in adult staff development, there will be little if any student transformation. Once the role and expectation of adult leaders is appropriately developed, you can begin the work of developing and transforming youth to achieve personal success.

Ana Campos, President & Executive Director

Ana was born and raised in Los Angeles, moving to the San Fernando Valley in 1977. She was the first in her family to graduate from a university, where she attended her dream school, USC - University of Southern California, with a dual degree in Social Work and Gerontology. She has worked in the “helping” industry all of her career. First, in the medical field, where she worked as a Medical Social Worker for many years, then in the home health field where she was the Administrator for numerous home health care agencies.

After 20 years in health care, Ana moved to her next passion – helping children. She served as CEO for Youth Enterprise Systems of America, Inc, a youth foundation founded by Oakland Raider, Anthony Smith.

In February 1998, Ana joined LA's BEST, a nationally recognized after school enrichment program. As Director of Operations, Ana was instrumental in leading the growth of LA's BEST from 29 after schoolprogram sites to 147 sites, serving more than 23,000 children per day. Her responsibilities included program administration and evaluation, organizational development, and grant analysis. Her leadership style combines humor and motivational skills – a style valued by the 1,600+ staff who work on the front lines of LA's BEST programs.

In November, 2005, Ana joined the After-School All-Stars Los Angeles as the current President & Executive Director, with the goal of expanding high quality middle school after school programs in Los Angeles. Sincejoining the After-School All-Stars, Ana has expanded middle school program opportunities throughout the County, and has also expanded into 5 high school programs. She is passionate about her work and dedicated to meeting the goal of educating, enlightening and inspiring youth.

Recognized for her dedication and contributions to after school programs which touch the lives of children, families and communities, Ana was one of the first National Afterschool Ambassadors and has been the recipient of the Award of Excellence from the California School-Age Consortium. Ana serves as an appointee to the Before and After School Advisory Committee for California; a member of the League of California After-School Providers; a member of the California Afterschool Network Executive Committee, co chairing their Policy Committee and Nominating Committee; a member of Region XXI Los Angeles County Office of Education Executive Committee and Work plan Group; a member of LA PASE Executive
Committee; a past member of the California Department of Education Regional Learning Center Initiative; a past member of the City of Los Angeles Children’s Museum Commission, and San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Board of Directors.

Ana spends much of her free time with her family – especially her 3 children, - John, Stefanie and Caitlyn.