ZGYS director Jorden Nigro recognized as 2025 Alaska Champion for Kids

The City and Borough of Juneau is proud to announce that Jorden Nigro, director of Parks & Recreation’s Zach Gordon Youth Services division, has been recognized by the Alaska Children’s Trust as a 2025 Champion for Kids.

ACT’s annual Champion for Kids awards recognize individuals who demonstrate dedication and commitment in working to ensure that children and youth are living in safe, supportive and nurturing communities. Jorden will receive the award at a ceremony in Anchorage on Thursday, April 24.

“It’s humbling to receive this recognition from ACT,” Jorden said. “I am eternally grateful to get to do work I love with a team I love in the community I love. I hope this brings attention to the work happening in Youth Services and the commitment our team and our partners make every day to show up for young people in our community—young magical people who deserve safety, joy, love and to be seen for exactly who they are. It truly does take a village and I’m proud to be a part of this one.”

Jorden, a lifelong Southeast Alaskan, began her work with young people in 1999 at Juneau’s shelter for runaway and homeless youth. She has led Parks & Recreation’s youth services for the past decade, where her achievements include helping grow the drop-in Zach Gordon Youth Center into a full continuum of care—including prevention, intervention, and a 10-bed emergency shelter and transitional housing program, Shéiyi Xaat Hit (Spruce Root House). She also helped launch a scattered-site Rapid Rehousing program.

Most recently, Jorden has led the launch of new after-school programs in two Juneau neighborhoods, meeting children and families in the neighborhoods where they live to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment after school.

“Jorden truly embodies the spirit of community and public service that we all strive for,” said CBJ Manager Katie Koester. “Her passion for making sure the youngest and most vulnerable in our community are safe and well cared for is evident in everything she does. We’re proud to see her work receive this well-deserved recognition.”

Learn more about ACT Champions for Kids at alaskachildrenstrust.org/champions-for-kids.

Learn more about Zach Gordon Youth Services at juneau.org/parks-recreation/zach-gordon.