Youth Leadership Series: Nathan Gonzales

Established January 2017, the Building Our Future Leadership Table was formed to guide and advocate for the work of Building Our Future, which brings together all sectors in Kenosha County to improve student outcomes from cradle to career, High School students were engaged from the start of this work. With parents at their side, three parents and students took a step and joined the team.

Nathan Gonzales serves on this team and on the Executive Committee. Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Nathan moved to Kenosha when he was young. He attended Jane Vernon Elementary and went to Harborside Academy for both middle and high school.

Nathan accepted his principal’s offer to serve on the Leadership Table  because he wants to take part in leading the community in a positive direction and make sure that student ideas are voiced and recognized. “Being part of the Leadership Table has helped me to see the passion the people of Kenosha have for our city, and allowed me to be a part of something bigger than myself. It’s helped me learn to stand up for what I believe in and how to work with others to gain the best level of accomplishment possible for all people.”

Through the Leadership Table, Nathan says that he has learned about the economic opportunities for Kenosha County,  and that we as the people of Kenosha should be ready to jump in and embrace the change. He believes this will help our county be a place to thrive for all people from all different backgrounds. “I’ve also learned that many people in our city who have large titles genuinely are invested in uplifting Kenosha to be a bigger and better city. Being part of the Leadership Table has given me confidence to share my ideas and how it will benefit students of Kenosha.”

After high school, Nathan plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. He will be majoring in youth ministry or biblical studies in hopes of becoming a pastor in a church.

Why join the Leadership Table?
“We need youth to ensure our work is inclusive of all voices, as much of our work is focused on educational outcomes.”
-Nathan Gonzales
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For more information and how to get involved, go to http://www.buildingourfuturekc.org/get-involved.html

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Published in The Kenosha News