We have all heard the saying “it takes a village.” For even those with the most supportive families and networks, having the Boys & Girls Club as part of their village network can truly make a lifelong impact.
Meet local Club alumna, Diana O’Brien. Diana began attending the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces at just six years old. With both parents in the workforce, Diana’s parents searched for a caring place for her to spend her after-school and summer hours. Her mother, Ann Nieto, shared, “Diana’s dad and I wanted a place where she would be safe, nurtured, comfortable—a space she loved, where she could be with friends and have fun.” Fortunately, Diana found that space at the Club.
Diana recalls her time at the Club fondly. “My childhood is filled with countless happy memories as a Club Kid. Summers were packed with field trips, afternoons spent swimming at the pool, and playing basketball, soccer, and dodgeball. After school, I gathered with friends and staff to do homework, play games, and enjoy movie Fridays.” While there were countless summer and after-school activities, she also remembers how the mentorship she received from the Club staff impacted her life. “The team at The Club holds a truly special place in my heart. These individuals were among my first mentors and became an essential part of my support system.” She even remembers several staff members by name. “Marisela and Egla played an especially integral role in my life. They were people my parents and I could trust, and they provided encouragement and guidance, shaping my experiences in meaningful ways.” Looking back, Diana feels incredibly grateful for the joy, laughter, learning, and growth that were part of her childhood and credits the mentorship she received from Club staff as part of the driving force behind her positive childhood memories. Additionally, aside from providing mentorship, Diana’s Club experience also led to the creation of lifelong friendships. “My dearest friend, Brandon Call, became family, a bond that started at the Club. And, not to brag, but we did hold the title of foosball champs at our After-School program!” she said.
Diana took her world-class Club experience and went on to attend New Mexico State University, where she earned a B.S. in Family and Child Science, a Minor in Counseling and Educational Psychology, an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She also serves as the Director of Impact and Outreach for the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, where she is a driving force to help create positive change across twelve counties in Southern New Mexico.
When we asked Diana why she feels it is important for local youth to have access to the Boys & Girls Club programs, she shared, “As a community, we should feel honored to care for our youngest members. The Boys & Girls Club provides an environment where young people can thrive, a place where their happiness, learning, and growth are prioritized. These programs play a vital role in nurturing well-being and dreams, offering kids opportunities, support, and guidance to develop into confident, caring, and driven individuals. Every child deserves access to a community that uplifts and invests in their future.”
She also believes that the creation of a new facility will make a tremendous impact for not only our Club kids, but for our entire community. “Investing in the new Club is more than just building a facility, it is an investment in our children and, ultimately, in the future of our community. A state-of-the-art space will provide enhanced resources, greater opportunities, and a safe, inspiring environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. By creating a space designed to support their well-being and development, we are fostering a stronger, more connected future for all of us.”
As is evidenced by Diana’s story, when Club kids grow up, they become part of the fabric of our community—leading, giving back, and inspiring the next generation. That’s the power of the Boys & Girls Club: we don’t just support kids in the moment, we help shape them into productive, caring, and responsible citizens who carry those values into adulthood. Las Cruces needs Club kids—and Club kids need you!
When you support the Club, you're investing in a stronger, more connected future for us all.