Jessica Perez was Bayo Fagbamila Jr.'s supervisor from 2010 to 2013 at the YMCA Afterschool program. She provided guidance and leadership that helped Bayo develop both professionally and personally. When Bayo took on Jessica's role as Program Director after she moved on, he was able to build on the strong foundation of relationships and structure that Jessica had established. Jessica served as a mentor and role model for Bayo, helping him through difficult personal circumstances and teaching him how to effectively manage staff, build relationships, and run a community program. Her example has stayed with Bayo and influenced how he now leads as a community leader.

1. June 24, 2016
Dear Hiring Committee,
My name is Bayo Fagbamila Jr. I served as an Afterschool leader for the YMCA - Afterschool
program of East Valley and worked under the supervision of Jessica Perez from 2010 - 2013.
I believe my working relationship with Jessica to be very special. When I joined her team I was
deemed as a problem, “someone difficult to work with”. Nevertheless, it was later that I came to
understand that my previous work environment was not conducive to my growth. The guidance
of Jessica served as my catalyst for development, leadership and exploration. As I brought
ideas to Jessica regarding program improvement and student engagement she listened with an
attentive ear and refined where she saw fit.
Moreover, I was Jessica’s protégé after she moved on from the YMCA, taking on her position as
Program Director. This is when I was able to truly respect and acknowledge the structure and
relationships Jessica had developed during her time as Director. The foundation that Jessica
had previously laid in building student, parent and school relationships assisted in a fairly
seamless transition for me. In addition, Jessica helped to provide an excellent example of
relationship balance between our program participants. She was able to instill organizational
rules and behavior standards as well as create an atmosphere where children felt comfortable
growing, learning and expressing themselves. Jessica also aided in my own personal
development when faced with troubling life circumstances. She extended herself beyond her job
description to assist me where I need, which I am absolutely grateful for.
Her guidance, leadership and example provided me with the rubric I needed to enable my own
abilities as a community leader. Anyone can simply run a program, however Jessica’s premium
on staff development, relationship building and program management are chapters from her
book that I have implemented within my own story. If the event that you have any follow up
questions please feel free to reach me at (209) 423-0864.
Sincerely,
Bayo