Dane Dances will celebrate the work of Out-of-School Time Professionals, and in particular, Tanya Walker, Mayder Lor, Nate Savado, and Alejandra Becerril Estrada at their last dance of the year this Friday, Aug. 30, at the rooftop of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
Dane Dances, one of Madison’s most diverse summertime events bringing together people of all ages, races, and ethnicities, is celebrating 20 years this summer. The Madison-area Out-of-School Time (MOST) initiative ensures that all of Madison’s children and youth have access to comprehensive, high-quality, out-of-school time programs that support positive youth development, educational achievement, and readiness for college, career, and community.
Award winners were nominated by their peers with final selections made by local high school students. The following individuals will be recognized this Friday at Dane Dances.
◉ Tanya Walker has worked at Goodman Community Center for 18 years. Her nominators say that she is a “hero of family engagement,” a “behind the scenes guru,” and someone who “reminds us about our ‘why’ on tough days, filling buckets, and inspiring us all.” Tanya has won the Team Player Award (shared with Mayder Lor).
◉ Mayder Lor has been with MSCR for a decade. In her time leading MSCR After School programs at East she has “increased the program offerings, increased participation and increased the program’s connection to the school. The East High program is like a family and Mayder (Mama Mayder) is the leader. Her high energy, passion and creativity are an inspiration to everyone that she meets.” Mayder has won the Team Player award (shared with Tanya Walker).
◉ Nate Savado has worked at the First Tee of South Central Wisconsin since 2014. His nominators say that “he transforms the lives of kids every day,” and that he is a “rare combination of passion, a warm heart, infectious personality, a gentle approach, and a steadfast commitment to the youth he serves.” Nate has won the Empowering the Youth Award.
◉ Alejandra Becerril Estrada has only been the MSCR After School and Urban League Schools of Hope coordinator at O’Keeffe Middle School for a year but has already made her mark. Her nominators say that she “volunteers for everything that she thinks will be a positive opportunity for the youth that she works with. The sky is the limit for Alejandra and she will be a leader in the youth work community for years to come.” Alejandra has won the Rising Star award.
MOST is a collaboration between the City of Madison, Dane County, Madison Metropolitan School District, and over 45 Madison-area youth-serving organizations. About 16,000 children in Madison rely on Out-of-School Time organizations and the thousands of people who work for them.
