Celebrating Excellence: YouthLink’s Shennika Sudduth Receives the L’étoile du Nord Award
We are thrilled to announce that on July 17th, at the Minnesota United game at Allianz Field in St. Paul, our very own Shennika Sudduth, Senior Director of Programs at YouthLink, was honored with the L’étoile du Nord (Star of the North) award. This award recognizes community members who embody the core values of the Minnesota United Club: Resilience, Inclusivity, Dedication Excellence, Winning, Teamwork and Respect. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Allianz and Minnesota United for recognizing Shennika’s incredible work.
Shennika joined YouthLink in December 2021 and has been a pivotal force in advancing YouthLink’s mission to end homelessness. With over two decades of experience in human services and a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership from Concordia University, Shennika has been instrumental in shaping and growing YouthLink’s programs and culture. Shennika’s passion is clear: she is dedicated to listening to youth in our community and incorporating their voices into every aspect of our work through initiatives like the YouthLink Voices of Youth Advisory Council (VOYAC).
At YouthLink, our work is guided by nine core principles: Journey Oriented, Trauma-Informed, Non-Judgmental, Harm Reduction, Trusting Youth-Adult Relationships, Strengths-Based, Positive Youth Development, Holistic, and Collaboration. Shennika’s approach to her role exemplifies these principles, making her a perfect recipient for the L’étoile du Nord award.
Embodying the Guiding Principles
When we asked Shennika which of YouthLink’s Nine Guiding Principles are at the forefront of her work, she highlighted Journey Oriented, Trauma Informed, Non-Judgmental, and Trusting Youth-Adult Relationships. These principles are not just theoretical for Shennika; they are integral to her daily interactions with youth and YouthLink staff, and the foundation of YouthLink’s programs. Here’s how Shennika embodies these guiding principles and makes a lasting impact on the lives of the youth at YouthLink:
Journey Oriented: Shennika emphasizes the interconnectedness of past, present, and future in her work with youth. She encourages youth to navigate their paths by understanding their unique journeys and helping to guide them toward their goals. “My grandmother used to always say, ‘never work at a place where you couldn’t bring your own,’” Shennika recalls, highlighting her commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all.
Trauma-Informed: Recognizing that many homeless youth have experienced significant trauma, Shennika ensures that YouthLink’s services are built on a foundation of empathy and understanding. “Trauma informed means that you are literally working with that young person the way that they need to be worked with, without your views,” she explains. This approach fosters trusting relationships between youth and staff, a crucial element for effective support.
Non-Judgmental: Shennika’s non-judgmental approach is key to building a supportive and inclusive environment. She interacts with youth (and staff) without labeling or judging them based on their backgrounds, experiences, or choices. A member of VOYAC shared, “YouthLink feels like home. This is a safe space. I feel like I belong here.” Such feedback underscores the success of Shennika’s non-judgmental approach.
Trusting Youth-Adult Relationships: Building honest, dependable, and caring relationships with youth is at the heart of Shennika’s work. She understands that many young people have been systemically mistreated and aims to rebuild their trust in adults. “We are working with a population that has been historically underserved and underrepresented due to social and economic disparities and systemic injustices,” she notes. Her dedication to fostering trust and authenticity is a cornerstone of YouthLink’s success.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Shennika is always thinking about the future. She has a bold vision for YouthLink, aiming to expand our reach in the community. With a 106% increase in youth visits compared to two years ago, the demand for our services is growing rapidly. To meet this demand, Shennika advocates for increased funding to hire more staff and expand YouthLink’s programs.
Shennika envisions a future where YouthLink continues to be a catalyst for change, providing comprehensive, youth-led services that address mental and chemical health needs, reduce victimization, and eliminate barriers to housing, education, and employment. “It’s always what’s next, you know? Like we have this here, but what’s next? What more can we do for a young person that comes through this door? What more can we do for our staff when they come here every day? So for me, it’s always what else can we do?”
Her relentless drive to improve and innovate ensures that YouthLink will remain a beacon of hope, support, and resources for young people experiencing homelessness. As we look to the future, we are inspired by Shennika’s leadership and commitment to making YouthLink a place where every young person (and staff member) feels safe, valued, and empowered.
Join us in congratulating Shennika on her well-deserved L’étoile du Nord award and in supporting YouthLink’s mission to end youth homelessness. Together, we can empower youth to dream big and ensure every young person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
