As the season of spring finally arrives and blossoms all around us, we are busy here at Banyan growing stronger together with our youth, families, and community—and I am enjoying every opportunity I have to be a part of this hopeful and transformative process!
After working for over twenty years in K-12 schools as a classroom teacher and licensed administrator, I was so impressed and inspired by the mission and impact of Banyan Community as a committed and proven partner in this vital community development work. I was also eager to apply my degree in non-profit leadership from the Humphrey Institute and my experience serving various nonprofit boards with a similar emphasis on education and community. My graduate work in Theology with a focus on comparative religions has also lent itself well to a sincere appreciation for the historic roots of the remarkable Banyan story.
Since beginning my (part-time) transition last month, I have listened and learned much about the community and organization. My priorities at this time are the continued implementation of strategic planning initiatives, including the cultivation of a supportive and high-performing culture, and the expansion of our programming to engage more youth and families. This work is done with an intention to reach, represent, and recognize the assets of a broader, more diverse and inclusive community. We do this by building social capital and cultivating the trust upon which our core relationships with youth and families are founded. The generous contributions of partners like you make this work possible.
Thank you for your support to make lasting impacts in the lives of others!