Since Banyan’s founding in 1998, our volunteer board has been the strategic heart of our organization. The Banyan Community Board ensures that our work is mission-focused, community-centered, and governs in an ethical and financially responsible manner. This year TWO special seats have been added to the Banyan Community Board: Community Member and Scholar.
Hanan Osman lives within Banyan Community’s service area and is our first Community Member to sit on the board. She has experience as a Staffing Manager/Project Manager for the MN Department of Health & Human Services and as a Health Educator for SNAP-Ed. In this position she adapted and delivered education with a high level of cultural competency and sensitivity. Hanan brings a unique perspective to Banyan Community as a mother of enrolled youth and with her husband owning a business in the neighborhood.
Becky Torres is serving as our first Scholar board member. Becky came to Banyan in 1st grade with her cousin and this year she graduated from high school. When asked what unique perspective this Scholar position will bring to the board she said “I believe this Scholar seat is a vital position to have on the board because it allows scholars to have a voice and offer advice since they went through the Banyan programs. Scholars know what Banyan is like on the inside, they’ve lived it. Banyan has supported ASPIRE graduates so much throughout the years and I think this position is a good way for scholars to give back.” In the fall Becky will be studying Nursing at Saint Paul College.
“On behalf of the board chair and board members, we are so grateful to have Hanan’s experience and insight to help to guide us going forward, and really excited Becky is willing to serve and contribute her perspectives in this new leadership role.” Carl Schlueter
The addition of both of these seats makes the Banyan Community Board stronger, more representative, and more connected to the neighborhood and our youth and families.