At CASW, we pride ourselves on being a stepping-stone toward the future of thousands of young people. Sometimes, that future means an opportunity to become one of our colleagues. This month, on CASW Profiles, meet Kaylin Kouakou, our Media Team’s Senior Illustrator. If you follow us on social media or are subscribed to our newsletter, you may already be aware of her quiet yet RESOUNDING presence in our organization.
Read ahead to learn more about Kaylin’s origins as an SYEP, and her own unique perspective of CASW.
How did you get your start at CASW? In what ways has the agency changed since you started and, furthermore, in what ways have you changed?
” I joined CASW through SYEP. In the spring of 2022, I submitted a normal SYEP application with CASW as the provider. Julissa, the program director, saw my resume and thought it was a good fit for the media team, and now here I am! Since I started working here, CASW has grown into a socially conscious agency that prioritizes interacting with participants in a fun and engaging way, that really stands out among providers. Being here has made me more conscious of what impacts even my behind-the-scenes work can have on the wider community. “
Where would you personally like to see the organization go in the future?
“I think CASW does really well at fostering long term relationships with participants and other organizations. I would love to see those relationships blossom into connections that help CASW become well known to NYC in general. Not just as a SYEP provider, but as an organization that centers children’s futures and well being at its core. “
What is your most impactful memory at CASW?
“To be honest, just the way I got hired. I didn’t expect my resume to be plucked out from a pool of hundreds. It was like ‘Wait – you guys actually read these?’ Going to the office for an interview had me very confused! Since then, everyone has been very encouraging and I feel like I’ve become a real part of the community here. I couldn’t be happier with this little stroke of luck. “
Now it’s time for our “Would You Rather” Section. Movie or TV Series?
“TV Series.”
Summer or Winter?
“Summer.”
What is your favorite food?
“Lasagna.”
Zodiac sign?
“Capricorn.”
Name one person that you admire.
“It’s Carlos! [Carlos De Moya, our Director @ CASW-Media]”
Name your favorite country or place.
“Puerto Rico.”
Favorite Color.
“Purple.”
