The ARC Young Professionals Board (YPB) had its inaugural retreat this weekend outside of Sacramento. The creation of this group was inspired by a trail conversation between ARC’s founder, Katie Zanto, and Yami Gutierrez, a graduate from ARC’s 2008 Tahoe summer course. Yami had served on another organization’s Young Professionals Board and wanted to offer similar professional development to ARC graduates. Within a few months, this kernel of an idea has become a reality! Yami said, “As an ARC student almost 15 years ago, I am humbled and excited to announce the creation of the ARC Young Professionals Board.”
The YPB has four members in its first year: Jasmine Marquez (2007 Tahoe graduate), Yami Gutierrez (2008 Tahoe), Salvador Meza Lemus (2012 Yosemite), and Gustavo Garcia (2016 Yosemite). They bring a diversity of professional experience and passions to the Board. Gus is a champion debater, who will be entering his second summer as an ARC instructor in Yosemite. Salvador has multiple years of leadership experience, including event planning and student support at UC Santa Cruz. Yami combines a background in community advocacy and support with a strong understanding of budgeting and finances. Jasmine is a manager at Foster Farms and has a passion for marketing and communications. This team of stellar ARC alumni will be working together to build the structure and identity of the YPB.
During the retreat this past weekend, Katie Zanto provided her advice to the group on building an organization from the start. She emphasized to the team: “Choose realistic goals that you are passionate about and that are attainable.” The group spoke to Katie before establishing the YPB’s mission, and this initial advice helped frame that discussion. Ultimately, the group drafted the following as their mission: The Young Professionals Board develops nonprofit leaders and supports ARC’s fundraising and youth recruitment goals.
Jasmine Marquez is grateful that the YPB provides an opportunity for her to give back to ARC. “Being a part of the YPB means so much to me, but the bottom line is that I have the opportunity to pay it forward and lend a hand to the youth in my community, just like Katie Zanto and the ARC staff did and continue to do for me. There’s nothing more powerful than sharing opportunities that help youth achieve their goals.”
The ARC Board of Directors has been very supportive of this new initiative. Three members of the Board participated in the weekend. Cathy Farnsworth, one of ARC’s two newest board members, joined the YPB on Sunday morning to brainstorm how to attract more community members to ARC events. Liz Tucker, ARC’s outgoing board chair, outlined the structure of the ARC Board of Directors and provided guidance on how the YPB could be structured. The alumni group decided that the YPB will have a Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. Each of these officers will receive mentoring from their ARC Board counterpart.
The YPB will provide a pathway for ARC graduates to take on leadership within the organization and beyond. Yami says, “I was interested in seeing how alumni could go full circle from students to board members, and that is how the YPB was born.”
Liz Tucker, when meeting with the YPB, said “The best ideas often come when you’re on the trail in a beautiful place.” That is definitely the case with the founding of the ARC Young Professionals Board. One conversation in the Tahoe wilderness has lead to new and valuable opportunities! Thank you to Yami and Katie for creating this springboard for ARC’s future leaders.
If you would like to connect with the Young Professionals Board by offering 1) a professional development opportunity; 2) a fun outdoor adventure or retreat location; or 3) assistance with student recruitment or fundraising, please contact us at info@adventureriskchallenge.org.