At just 5 years old, Candace could be found wherever the books were at the Central Boys & Girls Club. It's where she developed her love for reading, and knew she was special as Club staff praised her reading skills. As Chief of Child & Youth Programs for the U.S. Air Force from 2012 to 2016, Dr. Bird oversaw policy, planning and resource management of Air Force Child Development Centers, Family Child Care Programs, School Age Care Programs and BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers. She has served military family programs for 20 years as a caregiver, program coordinator, director, major command specialist and deputy branch chief in Japan, United States and Germany. Dr. Bird credits the Central Boys & Girls Club for solidifying her passion to inspire youth to be life-long learners, as she is.

Security & Defense, Homeland Security & Terrorism, U.S. Defense Policy, Boys & Girls Club, Social Justice, Youth, Youth Development