Chelsea Quito, a Community (CITC) Young Leader for NYCFC, was one of seven people who at Sunday night's ESPYs earned the 2020 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award for their humanitarian efforts.
The award celebrates the sports icon's commitment to leadership and service, and honors high school and college-aged students who use sports to improve their communities. Honorees receive either a one-time college scholarship or direct a grant to an eligible nonprofit that’s aligned with their work.
“We have so many talented young people in our youth programs and are tremendously proud of Chelsea for her leadership,” said Paul Jeffries, CITC Executive Director & Board Member, in a statement. “This award is well deserved. Chelsea embodies our vision at NYCFC to empower better lives through soccer. Chelsea has directly improved the lifepaths of so many of the kids she works with.
“Unfortunately, Chelsea had to leave school due to finances, but we are inspired that she is being recognized for using the force of sports to make a difference in her community – and in her own life. Now, more than ever, we need young leaders like Chelsea doing important localized work within the Bronx and throughout NYC communities.”
Quito, a first-generation Ecuadorian American who lives in the South Bronx, became a member of the Foundation’s Youth Leadership and Enterprise Program. She helps to lead a Young Leader Training for 40 local youth leaders and professional development and volunteer opportunities for high school youth, among other roles.
The award ceremony, which took place remotely, also included a powerful tribute to Black sports figures with narration from Seattle Sounders minority owner Russell Wilson and US women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe.
