Alumni Spotlight: Bryanna Hall – Finding Her Voice, Chasing Her Vision

A Place to Grow Up and Stand Out

For Bryanna Hall, the Boys & Girls Clubs wasn’t just a place to go after school. It was a second home, a launching pad and, in many ways, her first classroom in leadership.

Raised in Cincinnati’s Avondale and Bond Hill neighborhoods, Bryanna attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 2022 with a concentration in instrumental music. But even while immersed in the arts, it was the Dudley S. Taft Boys & Girls Club that gave her the tools to grow into who she is today.

“My mom wanted better for me,” Bryanna remembers. “She tried to find an afterschool program that could help me thrive.”

It turned out to be the beginning of something bigger than either of them expected.

More Than a Club—A Community

From day one, Bryanna was surrounded by familiar faces. Her godbrother, cousins and extended family were already Club regulars. It made the transition easy, even though she admits she was nervous walking in. That changed fast.

“Our group coordinator asked everyone to introduce themselves, and I introduced myself with a rap,” she laughs. “Everyone thought it was hilarious. After that, I wasn’t just the new girl. I was known.”

Throughout her years at the Club, Bryanna got involved in every activity she could, such as sports teams, academic support, leadership opportunities and enrichment programs. And along the way, she developed a deep understanding of herself.

“I had a learning disability,” she says. “The Club taught me how to advocate for myself. How to tell people what I needed. That changed everything.”

Confidence on and off the Court

Sports became a turning point in Bryanna’s life. At age 10, she joined her first basketball team through the Club. Even though she had never played on a team before, she quickly rose to team captain and helped lead them to a championship.

Bryanna credits that first team with sparking her dream to find a career in sports. Today, she’s pursuing a double major in Sports Business and Event Management, as well as Marketing, with a minor in Business Administration at Northern Kentucky University. And she’s already gaining hands-on experience as Assistant Athletic Director at Taft High School.

Leadership Born from Experience

Bryanna isn’t one to sit still. She won BGCGC Youth of the Year in 2020, worked two years as an assistant program leader through the Urban League’s summer employment program, and just before college in 2022, interned in development and HR through a Bank of America partnership. That internship opened her eyes to a new side of nonprofit leadership.

“I got to work on PR, operations and event management,” she says. “We even helped with a golf outing and ran a campaign with (professional NFL athlete) Derrick Barnes in 2022. That showed me that I chose the right major in college because I noticed how much I enjoy working in the community and with athletes. I knew I wanted to be in development, and one day, a CEO.”

She’s set her sights on joining an established nonprofit organization, or possibly becoming an Athletic Director. She also dreams of returning to Boys & Girls Clubs in a leadership role. “That’s the goal,” she says. “CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs, Athletic Director, or maybe work with a sports nonprofit that makes a difference.”

Building a Life with Purpose

Outside of school and work, Bryanna is preparing for another life goal; joining the National Guard with plans to attend OCS (Officer Candidate School). For her, the military represents discipline, leadership and a chance to give back in a new way.

“I come from a family with military service,” she says. “And I’ve always had a hunger to lead and make a difference. The Guard lets me do that while still pursuing my career.”

The Club That Built Her

Bryanna credits Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati for helping her find her purpose. “It was my first job, my first Reds game, my first Bengals game. It’s where I learned how to iron my clothes, write a resumé and speak up for myself. And the partnerships the organization has, like with Reds Rookie Success League and A.J. Green’s Pro Camp, helped me find my love for sports and showed me that girls can pursue sports too.”

She also discovered the power of community. “They always remembered my name. They held me accountable. Even when I had lows, the Club gave me what I needed to bounce back.”

Through programs like Diplomas to Degrees, sports, job training and youth leadership, Bryanna found direction and the support system to keep moving forward.

A Role Model in the Making

Today, Bryanna is part of multiple leadership groups at NKU, including Leadership Mentors, Presidential Ambassadors, Haile College Ambassador and NKU R.O.C.K.S. She’s on track to graduate in May 2026, and her vision is clear. She will lead, serve and inspire the next generation, just like the Boys & Girls Clubs inspired her.

“If you’re a part of the Club, you’re never alone,” she says. “There’s always someone there to check in, to believe in you, to push you to be better.”

And for Bryanna Hall, that belief made all the difference.