What people are saying.

  • I’ve worked with Erika over the past few months doing presentations with the Boys and Girls Club. I found her to be highly professional, while still being able to connect to us youth in a way that felt natural and comfortable. She always made sure we knew that she had our back if anything went wrong; something that allowed me to take risks and try things I had always wanted to do, but never had the courage to. She was extremely conscientious of our feelings and well beings as well. She would routinely ask us how we were feeling, and if one person expressed nervousness or anxiety, she would take the time to not only validify our feelings, but try to counsel us through them. My favorite example was with my first presentation ever with her. I had expressed to her that I was feeling nervous, and not quite prepared for our presentation. Erika listened to what I was saying, and offered to take time out of her (I’m sure very busy) schedule to do another run through before the presentation. That run through made all the difference, allowing me to walk into the presentation prepared and ready. She was also very mindful of the workload (and always accommodated to us), and made sure to keep us updated. Something I, personally, was really grateful for was her asking for and adapting to our preferred methods of communication. It is very obvious that she cares about the work she does and the people she does it with, and she is overall, just a brilliant and kind human being.

    Megan L.
    Student (2022)

  • I worked under Erika in the summer of 2023 where she supervised my and my teams' work on a multitude of tasks including community mapping, district policy researching, and education curriculum researching. This whole time she was nothing but accepting and encouraging. She built a warm and welcoming environment that I was happy to be apart of and which inspired me to work.

    Luis Lopez Picazo

    Summer 2023 Intern
    Youth Leadership Institute

  • I have been working with Erika since 2021 where she supported me with my UC application. Erika provided me with great insight on how to market myself in my application. She taught me invaluable writing skills such as strong storytelling and effective communication. Through the rigorous process of trying to get admitted to the Haas School of Business, Erika overlooked my supplemental essays and provided me with endless support from beginning to end. With her help, I just recently got admitted to UC Berkeley! Erika’s expertise in writing and her strong motivation to help students like me make her a true gem!

    Heidi Mashni 
    Youth Development Professional, Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club

  • Erika is a true powerhouse of a leader who is grounded in the work of empowering others and multiplying their talents. She truly understands what it means to build genuine relationships with youth in order to create systematic and generational change. ​ Youth program-wise, Erika excels at bringing out the best in her teens through structure and 1on1 attention. Her program highlights include a Digital Media Internship, company guest speakers, and professional work experience for her teens. She has spring-boarded every youth from the "Youth of the Year" Event to higher education in college. Many of whom were the first in their family to do so. Several of them also received scholarships with her help. I share this all to say that Erika has a true heart of gold, and the energy to do the impossible. Erika is the type of team member you want in your corner, the type of leader to make the impossible fun, and the type of mentor you want to raise your kid to be the best version of themselves.

    Andrew Kalt
    Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club

  • Erika's Zoom session on Program Planning & Evaluation for our COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach project was really cool and informative. I liked how she took people out of their comfort zones by encouraging everyone to speak up because it can be a little intimidating to speak out. She was also very patient with us as well. 5 star yelp review.

    Allen A.
    Student

  • I had the chance of working with Erika in 2022 on multiple occasions! I was able to aid in some of her projects within the Boys and Girls Club for her College and Career Success programs. Some of the keystone students she worked with had the chance to take a field trip to the Chase Center for a Marketing Summit. Not only does Erika go above and beyond for the youth that she is surrounded with, but she also aids those around her. As a current student at the College of San Mateo, Erika has helped me tremendously in all of my Scholarship applications. Through our work together, Erika has taught me a number of things: to help those around me reach success, to present myself in the best light when applying for scholarships or transfers, and showcase all that I do professionally and academically.

    Juliana Mashni | @themashnicomplex
    Site Operational Manager, Mid-Peninsula Boys and Girls Club

  • I was introduced to Erika in the summer of 2021, through a public health internship. We specifically worked with Erika during the planning phase of our internship. She helped us set goals, and find tangible ways to meet them. She lent us resources to organize our project planning, and further on gave insight on grant writing. I worked more closely with Erika during the 2022 Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year event. I competed and won the 2022 Youth of the Year title, with Erika. Together, we wrote and delivered a compelling speech, and three personal essays. Erika has not only sharpened my skills in speaking and writing, but she's also shown me insight on how to nail interviews, and pitch myself through a resume. It is because of Erika's support and skills that I am where I am today. Her selfless and community-oriented spirit is what makes not only me, but many proud to call her our mentor, and friend!

    Amy N.
    Student

  • I’ve been working with Erika ever since 2021. Even though I’ve known Erika for only a year, she truly is able to connect with the youth and deliver countless opportunities to the youth for our success. To understand how connective, encouraging, and attentive Erika is, I am student who lives miles away from the Mid-Peninsula Boy’s and Girls Club, and I’ve been involved in two Internships, three Presentational Workshops, and gained essential skills that some people could never offer me. In addition directly updates me about upcoming internships/projects so I always stay connected. Not only has she improved my portfolio and given me opportunities in such a short time, but she takes care of us like we are her own. Reviewing our resumes, feeding us on field trips, checking in on our mental state, and much more. Without her, I could never see myself with such potential and I’m truly grateful for her.

    Tristan D.
    Student (2022)

  • I had the pleasure of working with Erika Dugay-Alarcio in 2024 for my internship capstone in Public Health with San Francisco State University. Erika was a great mentor during my short time at Youth Leadership Institute in San Mateo, CA. Her knowledge and experience that she shared with me gave me skills and confidence as a public health professional. She is definitely a mentor I can continue looking up to and reaching out to. I highly appreciate her time and effort as my preceptor, and would love to work with her again in the future.

    - Honestie Chan, BSPH (2024)

  • I worked with Erika Dugay in 2024 where I learned how to navigate the non-profit world, work in youth program, and learn how to how to plan, program, implement. I think my time with Erika was such a pivotal moment in my education and really help me learn a lot about what it means to work in public health.

    SF State Public Health Intern, Spring 2024

  • I worked with Erika Dugay and she was so easy to work with and so welcoming. She made sure we were comfortable but also took us out of our comfort zone to help us improve professionally. She is also awesome with giving many tips on how to land a job and have a job where you have the same values as them.

    SF State Public Health Intern, Summer 2024

  • I worked with Erika in 2024 where she took on the role of my preceptor during my time as a yli intern through the SFSU Public Health program. Throughout my time in the program as an intern, Erika put much effort into my professional development and also offered constant guidance and support throughout my time there. Throughout my time as an intern, Erika was a constant source of encouragement and support whenever I required it. She created and maintained an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and feedback on anything that I was working on. Her constructive feedback and constant support are what led to my growth both professionally and personally throughout this internship experience. A major factor that contributed to my positive experience as an intern at yli was the amount of time Erika dedicated to any questions or concerns that I had. She made herself available outside of our weekly check-ins and was very quick to answer my emails/messages detailing any questions or challenges I was encountering with the work. The accessibility and willingness to help me were a major plus in my time here.

    SF State Public Health Intern, Summer 2024