Alumni Spotlight

Vicky Negus

Negus attended the seminar in 2006 as a representative from Bonny Eagle High School. She graduated from Brandeis University in 2012 after studying Anthropology and International Studies. 

Negus is now a public benefits policy analyst at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute where she works to protect and strengthen SNAP (food stamps) and cash assistance for low income families, in Massachusetts and nationally. 

She took the time to answer some questions about her Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted her life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life?

I feel extremely fortunate that I am paid to do work I feel very passionately about, and can focus much of my energy on making sure families in all of our communities can put food on the table. Pre-pandemic, I have volunteered my time coaching ultimate frisbee. I believe that volunteerism is about generosity of energy and giving of yourself to make the work a better place (whether that be in your neighborhood, your city, your state, or beyond!) - I try to give of myself every day. 

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life?

Striving to be my best self - and apologizing when I fall short - is, to me, a core part of having integrity and character. In my daily life, I strive to be self reflective and thoughtful about my communications and actions, and to recognize areas where I need to grow. Character is also about building trust with others - for example, in my professional life much of my work is about building relationships, making sure people feel heard, and making an argument for change that is thoughtful and fact-based. Doing that work consistently and reliably and having strength of character builds a reputation as a trustworthy person - and I try to be trustworthy and respectful in all areas of my life! 

How do you show the MYL pillar of leadership in your daily life?

Leadership is very much a part of my professional and personal life. Professionally, I co-chair a broad coalition of advocates and organizations, and work with many people to make changes to programs and rules that impact low-income households in Massachusetts. I have also captained and coached sports teams through my teens and twenties - and tried to guide teams with both my voice and my actions. I hope to show leadership through my willingness to grow, using my words to create change, and to lead by example. I have learned that leadership is not always about being the loudest person in a room - often it is about knowing when to step back and cultivate spaces for other voices. 

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.). 

My involvement in MYL (as an ambassador and then a JC for my junior and senior years) was a critical piece of how I ended up where I am today. I even wrote my college application essay about MYL! MYL was the first time I felt surrounded by peers who viewed the world in a similar way - who were committed to leadership, volunteerism, and real change. The days I spent at MYL were deeply impactful and helped me see that my frustration with inequities and my desire for everyone to have a place at the table were shared by many. MYL also helped me learn more about myself and who I wanted to be - and I can’t underscore enough how critical that was!

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? (JC, SF, AC, fellow alum, etc.) and if so, how?

I have been close friends with Marisa Turesky (ambassador in 2007) since we met at MYL (about 13 years ago!). My friendship with Marisa has taught me a lot about being honest with myself and others, and the value of sharing life’s joys and challenges with other people! Marisa and others I met at MYL are sources of light in my life - and I am so glad MYL is continuing to bring folks together to learn from one another. 

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I want each person and community I come in contact with to know that they are valued, special, and important - and deserving of joy, love, safety, self-worth, and economic stability. If my work and what I do in my life helps create systems that are more just and equitable for all of our communities, then I think I have succeeded in a life well lived. 

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

Staying up until much later than we should for more days in a row than I can even fathom now (as age 30) as JCs with Marisa and others, laughing until we cried and reflecting on the magic that is MYL. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I play ultimate frisbee! For 9 years I played on an extremely competitive women’s ultimate team in Boston - Brute Squad. We won three National Championships together, and competed on a national and international level. 

What gives you hope?

The dedication of so many people to ensuring each of us and all of our neighbors can live with dignity. I feel a lot of hope when I see how many people of all ages are doing what they can, each day, to improve the world around them - in so many big and small ways! The past year has been extremely difficult for so many, but seeing communities respond during this pandemic and show up for one another gives me hope for the future. 

What gets you particularly fired up? 

When people are the epitome of themselves - when folks are living their authentic lives, and sharing that with others, that gets me really pumped up. That can be on the sports field, in the classroom, at work, wherever - I think being yourself, while respecting others, is really inspiring and it makes me want to work harder and be an authentic version of myself, too! 

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work and/or life?

The tenants of MYL are embedded in pretty much everything I do! Speaking truth to power, trying to create change, being outspoken about what I believe in, being kind to others, understanding that leadership means being vocal and also leading from the background, and being willing to learn more about myself every day. 

Any fun hobbies?

Since the pandemic began I have been one of those millennials who got really into baking sourdough. I now bake a few times a week! Sourdough bread, babka, cinnamon buns, pies...you name it! 

 

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 5/17/2021]