Today we’d like to introduce you to Durell Petway.
Hi Durell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As Fresh Prince starts, “Now this is a story about how,” haha. Sorry, I try to bring comic relief and stay a kid with a heart, in everything I do. My story started at 14 when I received my first job as a baseball scorekeeper at the City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation. My parents grew up working on a farm, and hard work and initiative were instilled in me at a young age. Working at Lake Lynn Community Center taught me you earn your spot by continuing to show your value through your work. I eventually earned the opportunity to be the Summer Camp Director at 17, and as young people say, “It was up from there.” I continued to work for the City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation while attending North Carolina Central University. Senior year I had to decide if I wanted to continue working at Academic Budget & Finance at NCCU or explore a career option in youth development or leisure. I followed my heart and began working for Wake County Boys & Girls Club as a Youth Development Professional at Zebulon Boys & Girls Club. Continuing the same work ethic and passion, Wake County Boys & Girls Club provided me the platform to show my talents at a very young age and I was given the opportunity to be the Club Director of their Flagship Clubhouse, the infamous Raleigh Boys Club, and may I pause for a second…605 Baby! This special place cannot be duplicated. It was a pleasure to be their Club Director for 9 years. At the start of the pandemic, I decided to leave the place that is still very dear to me, the Raleigh Boys Club. Currently, I am the Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region in Rocky Mount. 1, 2, 3. It’s Game Time! Now I can display the leadership and tools I’ve learned from so many. I appreciate the Twin Counties (Nash and Edgecombe) for welcoming me with open arms, and I will continue to work at my total capacity every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Youth Development or working with young people will always bring challenges and obstacles. If you continue to put young people first in your decisions, you become a very resilient individual. Challenges in my career were juggling the obstacles of everyday life but continuing to walk in the doors with a smile and good energy to lead the future of our world. Challenges, yes, but during my career, I have evolved into an individual that looks forward to going to work every day. If I ever get too frustrated, unlike most in the profession, I love to spend a day on the frontline with youth. I enjoy leading fun educational activities, to ensuring the grounds are safe, to even making sure the bathrooms are clean! I’m truly thankful to be in my seat, and sometimes I struggle with seating at tables wondering, “Do I deserve to even be here?” I’m thankful for all the opportunities presented to me, and I do my best every day to stay focused on my work’s mission and to remain positive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region. I’ve been in the position for 2 years, and during my career with the Boys & Girls Club, I’m known for doing work others won’t do. My dad used to have a saying growing up, “Do what you are told to do and do it well” and this helped me learn to respect authority. During my career, I’ve always been known as a team player and someone that respects authority. I do not believe in a trait that sets me apart from others, but during my career, I try my best every day to do what I say I’m going to do. In addition, not programming for convenience has put me in the forefront, meaning if there’s a great opportunity for young people on a Sunday at 3:00 pm, why are we discussing if it fits our schedule? I’m already onboard!
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My family has been the biggest motivation for me since the beginning because no matter the mistakes or failures during my lifetime, they have always been there for me. I’m in the business of people, so every individual I’ve encountered has played a part in my success. There are so many individuals I would like to mention. Still, if I have to name one, it would be Brother Gregory, the past Assistant to the Chancellor at NCCU and my fraternity advisor for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. In short, if it were not for his leadership and motivation, I would be an accountant working in a cubicle somewhere. May he rest in peace, 06 good brothers.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://bgctrr.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durell-petway-10066057?trk=public_post_feed-reaction-header
