From Traditional Plans to Transformational Leadership: Marquetta’s Journey in Out-of-School Time Education

Published April 2026 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.

While still in college, Quetta was introduced to a summer literacy facilitator role. What started as a seasonal opportunity quickly became something more. “I figured, why not try it?” she reflects. That decision changed the trajectory of her career.

She began as a facilitator while continuing to teach. But over time, her connection to the work and to the community grew stronger. Today, she serves as the Program Director for the Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative, helping lead an organization she has helped build from the ground up. What began as a summer program in a church has grown into an established nonprofit, deeply rooted in the community and committed to youth development, literacy, and empowerment.

No two days in Quetta’s role look the same and that’s exactly what she loves. Some days are filled with meetings, planning, and strategy; others are spent out in the community, building partnerships, attending events, or supporting programming. During the summer, her work becomes even more dynamic. Her to-do list includes visiting program sites, engaging directly with students, reading aloud, and joining in chants and activities that bring learning to life.

What drives her most is seeing impact happen in real time. Whether it’s a young person gaining confidence, a family feeling supported, or a team member growing into their role, Quetta finds purpose in creating experiences that change lives.

The work, however, is not without its challenges. Balancing competing priorities and the constant demands of nonprofit leadership requires discipline and intentionality. “The work is never done,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of learning what needs attention now versus what can wait.

Another layer of growth has come from stepping outside of her comfort zone. Naturally introverted, Quetta’s role requires her to be highly visible and engaged with others throughout the day. To sustain that energy, she has learned to build in moments of quiet and reflection, recognizing that caring for herself is essential to showing up fully for others.

Through this journey, Quetta has grown into a confident and strategic leader. She has developed skills in facilitation, grant writing, marketing, and program development: learning how to take ideas and turn them into sustainable, impactful systems. Perhaps most importantly, she has learned to trust her voice and step into leadership, even in moments of uncertainty.

Her advice to others entering the field reflects both humility and ambition: “Find a mentor. Stay close to people doing the work you admire. Ask questions, try new things, and don’t be afraid if your path doesn’t look like what you originally planned.”

Quetta believes deeply in the power of relationships and community. She wants others to understand that this work, especially in nonprofit spaces, is both meaningful and complex. It requires strategy, collaboration, and a commitment that extends beyond a typical workday.

At its heart, her story is one of purpose discovered through experience. What began as a simple “yes” to a new opportunity became a career defined by impact, leadership, and community transformation.

Quetta’s journey is a powerful reminder: sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones we never planned, but choose to follow anyway.