If it weren’t for her older brother volunteering at Youth Challenge, we would have never had the opportunity to get to know – and love – our dear friend Margaret Biehl. In 1997, Margaret became a YC participant at the young age of three. 23 years later, we’re happy Margaret is still around, and taking on leadership roles at YC!
“At first, I felt uncomfortable,” Margaret explains about her participation at YC. “I was so insecure and trying to find my place in the world. I didn’t know where I fit, and it was tricky.” Despite feeling uncomfortable, Margaret found some solace in her interactions with the people she met at YC. “From the staff to the volunteers, everyone I interacted with was kind to me,” she explained, smiling.
“YC forced me to get comfortable in my own skin and become more confident,” Margaret explained. “Beyond that,” she continued, “even at a young age, YC helped me become comfortable with my peers in this community. We’re all equal.” As Margaret moved on from traditional YC programming in 2003, she took the skills she gained from programs as she grew. In 2014, Margaret graduated from St. Joseph Academy and started school at John Carroll University, where she earned a degree in Communications.
During her last year in college, Margaret was searching for internship opportunities to build her resume. One day, she happened to see Mary Sue Tanis, YC’s founder, at the Westlake pool. They got to talking and, like clockwork, Margaret was back at YC! She served as our Development Intern in the summer of 2018.
After graduating from John Carroll the same year, Margaret continued to engage with YC as a member of Young Professionals for Youth Challenge, a group who works together to fundraise for and expand knowledge of YC’s mission. Now, Margaret serves on the Leadership Council of YP4YC.
Then, in 2019, YC launched a new initiative, the Alumni Community Team (ACT!). Made up of alumni participants, ACT! works to advocate for people with disabilities across Northeast Ohio (while also having fun). Margaret joined this group in the beginning and served on the Executive Committee until mid-2020.
“I’m really glad I got involved again,” Margaret says with a smile. “I wasn’t confident in myself at first. I didn’t have a full-time job. I felt like I didn’t have it figured out. Then, as I got to know the groups better, I got more comfortable.”
Margaret got the full-time job, too. In early 2020, she connected with MMI Textiles through a YC board member. “It started as an informational interview,” she explained with a laugh. “Then, I got a paid internship. Now, I’m a customer service representative. It all fell into place and I’m so grateful. I credit YC for making this connection!”
From uncomfortable young girl to confident young woman, Margaret has truly transformed. “Now I sit at the table and participate in the conversations,” Margaret said, “it’s cool to be involved!”
From an early age, YC works to break down barriers and allow children of varying abilities to engage in meaningful recreation. The immediate result? Fun. The long term goal? More young people like Margaret in the world! With YC as the catalyst, Margaret was set up, from an early age to reach her goals. We’re so glad to have her on Team YC leading the charge with our alumni and young professionals!