First Year of Service
Chicago
Annie Mattea is the Chicago Teen Programs Coordinator at Step Up. She works to build strong relationships with school partners, staff, and teens in Chicago programs.
Most of Annie’s career has been in the afterschool and youth development space. Prior to working at Step Up, Annie was a program manager for Pitch In, a social-emotional learning afterschool program within Chicago Public Schools. She worked with 4th-8th grade students on career readiness, leadership, and authenticity. Annie also developed afterschool programs in Sitka, Alaska while working for Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services to assist with their substance misuse prevention work.
Annie is incredibly passionate about providing opportunities to Chicago students, especially in underserved communities. She has worked all over Chicagoland and cares deeply about the education system.
Outside of work, Annie can be found reading, baking, being outside, or spending time with her cat, Robot.
What has your mentor taught you?
One of my mentors taught me that it is incredibly important to do things that make you scared. I often struggle with overthinking things and worrying about the outcome, and she reminded me that when things seem difficult, they are often most worthwhile.
What do you enjoy most about working at Step Up?
I enjoy building relationships with school partners and seeing the teen girls succeed!
