Unleashing Potential’s Hampton Garners Award for Outstanding Service

Unleashing Potential’s Chief Program Officer Gloria Hampton recently was honored by the Missouri Afterschool Network with the Outstanding Afterschool Professional Award for her work with Unleashing Potential’s programs that focus on socio-emotional success and Science, Technology, Engineering, Cultural Arts and Math (STEAM) in diverse neighborhoods in St. Louis.

The Outstanding Afterschool Professional award is presented to an individual who serves as a model to other afterschool professionals around the state, exhibiting career proficiency and personal excellence. The individual is not only a leader in afterschool programming, but also in making positive contributions to the field of afterschool in Missouri.

The recognition came during the 2022 Celebration of Afterschool program, which is part of the annual Missouri School Age Community Coalition (MOSAC2) Professional Development Institute.

Hampton has 20 years of work experience in the nonprofit sector with organizations serving children, youth and families. She has worked in all capacities, from directing and managing programs to providing direct service working with infants through young adults. She holds a M.S.W. degree from Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in human environmental sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has been with Unleashing Potential since 2012.

“It is an honor to be nominated,” Hampton said. “I am proud, not only for the opportunity to represent Unleashing Potential and our unique program culture, but also to contribute to the future of afterschool in the state of Missouri.”

Unleashing Potential was represented during other segments of the program as well: Shawnica Andrews and Shanise Lewis earned their Youth Development Credentials; Dr. Yolanda Campbell was recognized for her accomplishment of earning a Doctorate of Education; and Gundia Lock-Clay was celebrated on her retirement after 16 years of service.