The journey to leadership is often a tapestry woven with experiences, values, and a relentless drive to serve. For Zenae Campbell, this journey began in the iconic San Francisco Bay Area, where she grew up in a household deeply rooted in social justice.
Her parents were civil rights fighters, instilling in her the principles of compassion, community service, and advocacy from an early age. This foundation paved the way for a career dedicated to uplifting others through nonprofit work and community services.
In 2013, seeking new opportunities for herself and her family, Zenae moved to Texas. It was here that she joined the Boys & Girls Club Greater Houston as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations. These roles allowed Zenae to put her passion for community service into action, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering positive change for families and youth. Her ability to combine compassion with strategic vision helped the organization thrive, and her influence was felt throughout the community.
Despite her success, there was an ever-present call to do more. After a decade in her role, Campbell initially felt content. However, when approached about the CEO position, she recognized an opportunity to expand her impact further and decided to embrace the challenge. This pivotal decision reflects a key characteristic of effective leaders—the willingness to step outside of comfort zones for the greater good.
Then settled in Houston after meeting her now husband, Campbell eventually made the bold move to Austin after starting a family. With her husband’s unwavering support, they built a home rooted in shared values and aspirations. This nurturing environment fueled her ambition to lead organizations that mattered to her and created real change in the community.
As Zenae stepped into her new role as CEO, she focused on implementing a strategic plan set to unfold over the coming years. At the heart of this initiative is the vision to generate economic mobility for youth and their families—a goal that resonates deeply within her. Zenae recognizes that the success of any community relies on empowering its younger generations, and she is determined to provide them with the resources needed to thrive.
Our ambition as a Club has never been stronger
To realize this vision, the Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area has launched the Open the Door for a Great Future campaign across the Austin metro area, aiming to significantly increase youth participation in the Boys & Girls Club. However, accomplishing such a monumental task necessitates financial support. She has called upon the community to rally behind this initiative, emphasizing the necessity of raising $20 million over the next three years.
“Our ambition as a Club has never been stronger. Last year, we served 600 kids each day, and today we’re at 2,000. By the end of next year, we aim to be at 3,000 kids daily, and by 2027, we plan to reach 6,000 children across 40 clubs in the Austin Area,” Campbell stated. “We’re going BIGGER, BETTER, and BOLDER and asking for you to come along with us for the journey.”
Her 1st anniversary as CEO is not just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration for the organization and a source of inspiration for the youth she serves. She expresses her intent to reshape the C-suite landscape, demonstrating that leadership can both represent diversity and champion community-driven initiatives. Fueled by her passion and commitment, Campbell hopes to inspire others to see the possibilities that lie ahead, creating a ripple effect of motivation among the youth.
As Campbell continues this new chapter, she is not just leading—she’s opening doors and inviting others to join her in the mission to create a brighter, more equitable future for the youth of Austin. With a remarkable team ready to answer her call to action, dubbed “It Starts With Us,” she is poised to make a lasting impact. The journey to CEO signifies not just a career advancement but a continuation of a lifelong dedication to service, community, and empowerment.
Be a part of the impact made by the Boys & Girls Club and help them shape a city where every child can thrive. Visit their website to learn more.
