"The Club opened doors to possibilities I couldn't have imagined," Natasha reflects. "Now, I'm committed to creating those same pathways to success for our younger members."
In celebration of Women's History Month, we proudly spotlight the remarkable journey of Natasha Ballou, who has come full circle from Club kid to making history as our first female Board President. Natasha's story began at age 10 when she first walked through our doors seeking a safe haven after school. Today, she brings her wealth of leadership experience and deep-rooted passion for our mission as she guides the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence into its next chapter.
"The Club opened doors to possibilities I couldn't have imagined," Natasha reflects. "Now, I'm committed to creating those same pathways to success for our younger members."
During her formative years at the Club, Natasha embraced every opportunity—from sports to community service and leadership in the Keystone Club. These experiences not only shaped her future but cemented her lifelong commitment to our mission. Her professional achievements speak volumes: after earning degrees from UMass Amherst and Harvard University, she built an impressive career in financial services. Now an Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase, she oversees the North America Client Operations and Onboarding team within the Commercial & Investment Bank. Her leadership excellence has earned her induction into the 2017 BGCL Alumni Hall of Fame and recognition as a 2024 Women's Bond Club Rising Star.
In this candid conversation, Natasha shares her personal journey, the Club's profound impact on her life, and her vision for empowering future generations. Her story powerfully illustrates what's possible when we invest in young people and equip them with the tools to succeed. We couldn't be more excited for this new chapter under her leadership!
What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Club member?
My fondest memories come from my work with the Torch and Keystone Club. We collaborated to fundraise for trips that many of us could only dream about—California and Disney—where some members experienced their first airplane flight. Seeing our collective efforts transform into these incredible experiences was truly special, especially at such a young age.
I was also an athlete, playing basketball and volleyball. The coaching I received at the Club really shaped my approach to teamwork and discipline. I hadn't played these sports formally before, but the Club taught me what it meant to be part of a team and sparked my passion for athletics.
Can you share more about the work you did with the Keystone Club?
We were deeply involved in community service—cleaning parks, volunteering at Lazarus House, visiting retirement communities to spend time with seniors. We also ran countless fundraisers—bake sales, pizza sales, car washes—anything to help fund our activities and trips. As Keystone members, we took on mentorship roles too. Being seen as experienced Club members, we provided homework help and mentored younger athletes and artists.
We were actively involved in major events like the Auction and Golf Tournaments, which gave donors the chance to see our growth over the years. We helped with holiday celebrations, served as summer camp counselors, and even assisted with daily operations like preparing meals and cleaning. We really tried to model the discipline and responsibility we wanted younger members to develop.
How did your early involvement at the Club shape who you are and contribute to your journey of becoming Board President?
The Club instilled in me a deep passion for community service. Even though we were benefiting from others' volunteer efforts, the staff taught us that everyone has something valuable to give back, regardless of background or circumstances.
We may not have come from wealthy families, but we found meaningful ways to contribute—mentoring others, setting positive examples, and making a difference in our community. This, combined with a natural drive to succeed, became fundamental to who I am. Many of us who grew up at the Club shared this competitive spirit and desire for success. We wanted to prove to donors that their investment in us wasn't wasted—that we would accomplish great things, return to our community, and amplify their impact.
"I'm a true manifestation of what the Club stands for—a child of immigrant parents who found safety and opportunity here, excelled academically through high school and beyond, and then found ways to give back."
My path to becoming Board President reflects this full-circle journey. I'm a true manifestation of what the Club stands for—a child of immigrant parents who found safety and opportunity here, excelled academically through high school and beyond, and then found ways to give back. This is the story we want to tell about Club members who return to contribute, whether through financial support or volunteering their time. As we celebrate our 100-year legacy, showcasing these success stories demonstrates how we continue to evolve and grow.
How else did the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence shape your leadership skills and career path?
My leadership foundation really began as Keystone Club president. Though on a smaller scale, I learned to think strategically about achieving group goals—planning trips, breaking projects into manageable steps, and keeping members motivated. These are fundamental leadership principles: setting objectives, establishing milestones, and recognizing achievements.
I didn't start as president either—I progressed through roles like secretary and treasurer, learning different aspects of leadership along the way. Being named Girl of the Year was another significant milestone that pushed me to become someone others could look up to.
I'm incredibly grateful for the mentors who invested in us. They provided resources like SAT prep sessions that many of us wouldn't have accessed otherwise. The Club excelled at creating equitable access to tools and opportunities—sometimes half the battle in advancing is simply knowing what's possible. Many kids might not have known about options beyond Lawrence High, but the Club opened those doors.
The Club's approach mirrors what works in successful careers: providing foundational tools and principles while empowering individuals to determine their own success. This early training instilled the discipline and mindset that set Club members up for achievement in whatever path they choose.
What inspired you to pursue a career in finance?
It's interesting—I can't pinpoint exactly what sparked my interest initially. The Club's Take Our Kids to Work Day activities definitely exposed me to various career paths. Through one of these experiences, I secured a summer job at Andover Bank, which evolved into a part-time position and ultimately laid the groundwork for my career. My entry into finance might have been somewhat accidental, but the Club's programs certainly influenced that trajectory.
What would you say is the source of your drive to constantly challenge yourself?
My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. Despite limited resources, she consistently found ways to give back—whether through time or other means. She instilled in my brother and me the belief that we're here for a purpose and should do good while discovering our path.
She always emphasized that if we commit to something, we should strive to be the best at it. These core values shaped my approach to life: excel at what you do, and use that excellence to help others.
What does it mean to you to serve as Board President of the Club?
It's deeply humbling and an incredible honor. I see myself as living proof to all our donors and board members that their sacrifices weren't in vain. They can witness firsthand what their contributions of time and resources have helped accomplish.
"We want them to understand that there's always a path forward and people who will support them because we truly are a family."
I hope to increase alumni engagement and representation to inspire younger generations—showing them what's possible regardless of their circumstances. We want them to understand that there's always a path forward and people who will support them because we truly are a family.
What are some of your goals as Board President?
A top priority is enhancing alumni engagement—making it more intentional and sustainable. I envision creating a natural progression for alumni to join the board or be identified as strong candidates. There's tremendous value in maintaining a balance of board members with "institutional capability"—those who experienced the Club firsthand and now give back through leadership. They bring a unique perspective that enriches our decision-making.
I'm also focused on expanding my network's involvement with the Club and developing strategic partnerships with organizations like the Year Up program. I want us to think long-term about collaborations that will enhance the member experience. Additionally, supporting our staff and administration remains crucial, particularly regarding capital improvements that will benefit our members.
What personal and professional goals are you currently pursuing?
Personally, supporting my son through his junior year of high school and the college search process is a major focus right now. I'm also working on finding better balance—taking time for myself and vacations. I tend to be intensely focused on work, sometimes forgetting to step back and breathe—a common struggle for many of us.
Professionally, I'm continuing to grow in my current role overseeing teams across North America. We're managing the largest client conversion in our business’ history, which is a significant priority. I was recently recognized as a Women's Bond Club Rising Star for J.P. Morgan, which includes executive coaching and networking opportunities. The program emphasizes "Lead, Learn, Return"—applying what you learn to benefit your communities. I'm exploring ways to adapt these professional development insights for our Club members, making them accessible and relevant for younger audiences.
Your journey truly exemplifies what's possible when talent meets opportunity. I believe your story will resonate deeply with our members, showing them that their dreams are within reach.
The most powerful lesson I want every Club member to embrace is this: when you bet on yourself, you win. It's that simple, yet that profound. Trust your instincts and maintain unwavering faith that you'll reach your destination. While each person's journey unfolds differently, the crucial first step is always the same—you must take it. And remember, if others believe in your potential, you owe it to yourself to believe even more deeply.
From my experience, I've noticed how easy it is for young people to settle into complacency, accepting their current circumstances as the full extent of what's possible. They don't always realize they should be asking, "What else is out there for me?" The Club has been transformative for countless young lives—whether through the discipline learned on the basketball court, the accountability of progress reports, or the expanded horizons that come from being challenged to think beyond familiar boundaries.
"What makes our staff and administration truly exceptional is their unwavering belief in every member's potential, regardless of background or circumstances. This gift—this ability to maintain such dedication and patience—is extraordinary."
Yes, these growth conversations can be uncomfortable, but I've come to understand that discomfort is the birthplace of transformation. It's precisely when things get difficult that we grow, stretch beyond our limitations, and discover our most valuable lessons. During these challenging moments, knowing someone believes in you becomes an invaluable anchor.
What makes our staff and administration truly exceptional is their unwavering belief in every member's potential, regardless of background or circumstances. This gift—this ability to maintain such dedication and patience—is extraordinary. Now as a parent myself, I look back with profound appreciation for how they created such a nurturing environment despite limited resources. The Club wasn't just a place to go after school—it became a second home where I felt valued and supported. It was so special that on days when my mother told me I couldn't go, I was genuinely heartbroken. That's the mark of a truly transformative space—one that children eagerly look forward to being part of every single day.
Those are truly powerful lessons that will inspire our members to pursue their full potential. What other advice would you give them?
"Spend less time being certain and more time being curious." This quote has profoundly impacted me. Even in professional settings, I'm often surprised by how many people are unwilling to collaborate and problem-solve together. Everyone is so certain about what they know, but there's always more to learn. This mindset has made me a better listener and helped me see perspectives I might otherwise miss.
I encourage members to ask questions and challenge their assumptions. Get comfortable being uncomfortable—that's where growth happens. You might be afraid to apply to a certain school or try for an opportunity because you fear rejection, but if you don't try, you'll never know what you're capable of. Take chances on yourself. Sometimes you'll succeed, sometimes you won't, but you'll always learn something valuable from the experience.
Looking back now, what would you say to your seventh-grade self?
I'd tell myself not to be so nervous about trying new things. Though I was generally open-minded, I sometimes limited myself by focusing too narrowly on certain activities. For instance, I almost didn't try volleyball because I was so committed to basketball. The Club encouraged me to give it a chance, and ironically, I ended up loving volleyball even more than basketball. If I hadn't been willing to step outside my comfort zone, I would have missed out on something I truly enjoyed.
Thank you for sharing your story and wisdom with us, Natasha!
Natasha's journey exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, community, and opportunity. From a young girl seeking safety after school to becoming the first female Board President of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, she demonstrates what's possible when we believe in ourselves and others' potential.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, her story reminds us that with determination, support, and courage to take risks, we can break barriers and create paths for future generations. Her leadership inspires not only current Club members but our entire community, showing that with the right tools and support, no dream is out of reach.
Her unwavering commitment to giving back and helping others succeed reflects the enduring impact of the values instilled at the Club—values that don't just last a lifetime but create lasting legacies.