Name
Christine Aranyos
Company/Organization
Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
For over 20 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor has been helping kids aged 6-18 create Great Futures in Southwest Michigan. In addition to recreational and extracurricular activities, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor provides after-school tutoring to put kids on a path for academic success, mentoring to guide members to create strong character and leadership skills, and proven programming for youth to have access to healthy lifestyles.
Age
33
Accomplishments
2017 President’s Award (Notre Dame Federal Credit Union)
2013 Best Actress, Tiffany Award (Wait Until Dark, Twin City Players)
2013 Unsung Hero, Tiffany Award (Wait Until Dark, Twin City Players)
2012 Gold ADDY Award; Michiana / South Bend, IN (2011 Whirlpool Appliance Catalog ARS Advertising)
2011 Best Character Actress, Tiffany Award (Diary of Anne Frank, Twin City Players)
2009 Best Investigative Story (Michigan Association of Broadcasters)
2009 Best Feature / Use of Medium (Michigan Association of Broadcasters)
2009 Merit Newscast (Michigan Association of Broadcasters)
2009 Merit Breaking News (Michigan Association of Broadcasters)
2008 Best Special Broadcast (Michigan Association of Broadcasters)
2008 Class III Radio Best Natural Sound (Michigan AP Broadcasters Association)
2008 Class III Radio Best Spot News (Michigan AP Broadcasters Association)
2008 Class III Radio Best Enterprise/ Investigative Reporting (Michigan AP Broadcasters Association)
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I love taking on new challenges and opportunities. My goal is to continue being open to professional development while gaining new skills and experience in the process. I hope to continue serving the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor and doing my part to ensure every child in our community has the opportunity to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Education
Ohio University, B.S. of Journalism
Residence
St. Joseph, Michigan
Where were you born?
Columbus, Ohio
What was your first job?
I had my first job at 10 years old, delivering newspapers in my neighborhood.
Best advice you ever got?
“Just say yes.” Throughout my career, I have remained committed to the idea that fear shouldn’t hold you back from taking on a new opportunity or challenge. The chance to learn something new or try something different is worth overcoming the fear of failure.
Who inspires you most?
My mom inspires me the most. She has found a way to advance her career while continuing to put her family first, and she always seems to make it look easy!
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I was on a basketball drill team (think Harlem Globetrotters) from ages 10-12. We performed all across the country, including during the halftime show for the Detroit Pistons! I can still spin a basketball on my finger and lay on the floor at the same time.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love snuggling up in bed and watching unnecessary reality TV, going on adventures with my five-year-old son and performing with local community theaters like the Twin City Players in St. Joseph.
What book are you reading now?
I’m usually working through a stack of scripts. Right now I am reading a script by Jeffrey Hatcher called “Scotland Road.”
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I love working with the youth in our community. Having the opportunity to walk down the hall and take a half hour to read to the kids in our 6-8 year old room is one of my favorite parts about working at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor. I also love spending time at the Twin City Players and supporting local theater in our community.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I am motivated by the goodness in people. I focus on, and am inspired by, what’s possible when people and organizations come together behind a common goal.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
To read minds!
What does this honor most mean to you?
I am extremely honored and humbled to have been nominated for this recognition and to be included among such an amazing group of young professionals in our community.
