Meet Siah Nix, Stand Out Team Member of BGCCV

Siah Nix– an Extraordinary Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Team Member

I first met Siah Nix about six years ago.  At first sight, he made a striking impression.  Tall, stately, well-dressed, and good-looking with rows and rows of dreadlocks cascading down his back.  He greeted me with a smile and introduced himself as the Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley’s Gerald R. Ford La Quinta Clubhouse.  He was articulate and passionate about his job.

Siah showed me around the clubhouse.  Just minutes before school was to let out across the street, the BGCCV building was quietly awaiting the stampede of afterschool kids.  He gave me a quick tour.   I absorbed all the marvelous educational and activity rooms, including a full-size basketball court.  When dozens of children came through the door and saw Siah, it was obvious that they loved and respected him.  Backpacks were meticulously lined up in neat rows on the floor against one wall, which showed even more respect for Siah and their after-school environment.  They were well-behaved and knew exactly what to do and where to go.  It was a jaw-dropping moment.

After coaching for five years for the Desert Parks and Recreation District, Siah became the Sports Supervisor for the BGCCV Coachella Club as a part-time employee.  In 1998 Siah was promoted to a full-time position as the Athletic Director of the La Quinta Club. After doing an outstanding job in that department, he applied for and was promoted to the Branch Director of the La Quinta club in 2006.

“When Siah entered my office roughly twenty-five years ago,” said Tony Williams past Director of Operations for BGCCV and then Director of the La Quinta Club, “he had just returned from Middle Manager’s training.  He was all fired up and announced that he wanted to advance and promote the organization.  He told me that I was the key. I told him that he would have to be willing to listen to whatever I said and give it his all.  He had what it took. Not only did Siah verbally commit, but his work ethic, focus, and intentionality lined up.  Siah earned where he is now and I could not be prouder of the person he is, as well as a gift to our youth, especially those in La Quinta.”

Siah grew up in Miami, Fla. He is the proud father of four and husband to his lovely wife Lorene of 25 years.  It is an understatement to say that he loves his job with BGCCV.

“Throughout my tenure,” said Siah, “I have enjoyed and admired how our organization is fully invested in their staff and clients.  It is all about safety and providing opportunities to the kids like training, scholarships, advancement, and connections to services.  Along with an outstanding network of support, it is truly an honor to be a part of BGCCV and its legacy.  One should always have a meaningful purpose in life.  Through my service as a youth development professional, I now truly understand my purpose.”

The BGCCV is all about bringing a brighter future to the mostly low-income children who walk through the doors of its four busy clubhouses in La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and Mecca.  It is a positive place where they can get a nutritious hot meal, and feel safe, and special.  What is most impressive about BGCCV is that 96% of its High School Seniors graduate on time and 80% attend college.  Many high school graduates are awarded a 4-year college scholarship, and 87% of the scholarship recipients finish their programs.  Many of the alumni return to give back and serve their home communities.

Coming up on Saturday, March 8 is the BGCCV Grand Auction 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells celebrating its 43rd year and honoring this year’s Champions of Youth, the Kirkjan Family.  This event sells out fast so get your tickets as soon as possible for an evening of fun and great prizes.

To find out more about Boys & Girls of Coachella Valley and their youth programs and the Grand Auction 2025, please call 760-836-1160 or go to www.bgcofcv.org

Editor’s Note: Photos provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley