Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) announced the third cohort of fellows for NextGen on Board, a fellowship program that recruits, trains, and places the next generation of young leaders on the boards of nonprofit organizations in Stanislaus County.
The purpose of NextGen on Board is twofold. For young leaders, it aims to increase their capacity to engage in change efforts, increase their opportunities to be at decision-making tables, broaden their exposure to career pathways, and develop their professional and personal networks. For participating nonprofits, having a young leader as a board member will deepen the organization’s perspective on issues that impact young people – allowing the organization to innovate solutions as a result.
“At SCF, we believe it’s important that all voices are heard and residents of all ages are empowered to participate in civic life,” said Melissa Van Diepen, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Stanislaus Community Foundation. “This program is not only an investment in the future changemakers of our community, but also in building a more vibrant and inclusive Stanislaus.”
Each of the fellows will receive individual coaching and attend trainings on nonprofit governance, facilitated by Youth Leadership Institute. They will also be paired with a mentor from the nonprofit organization board they serve on, who will provide individual guidance, motivation, and role modeling.
“NextGen On Board is a testament to the power of youth leadership in shaping the future of our communities. At Youth Leadership Institute, we are proud to draw on our statewide experience to build the capacity of young leaders and amplify their voices as they step into roles of influence and drive meaningful change across Stanislaus County,” said Patty Barahona, CEO of Youth Leadership Institute.
The following young leaders and nonprofit organizations will participate in the third cohort of NextGen on Board:
Abigail Hernandez – HAVEN | Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments
Agamjot Singh – West Modesto Community Collaborative
Andrea Ramirez – Modesto Junior College Foundation
Atziry Trujillo – City Ministry Network
Caroline Mendiola – Center for Human Services
Diego Capistran – Stanislaus Equity Partners
Griselda Calderon Rojas – Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County
Jared Bernardi – Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County
Jeanette Reyes Garnica – United Way of Stanislaus County
Joshua Navarro – Modesto Peace Life Center
Liana Herrera – Salvation Army Modesto Corps
Mariah Ring – Carnegie Arts Center
Merri Hansen – Sierra Vista Child & Family Services
Mylton Cruz – City Ministry Network
Sofia Leguria – Society for disABILITIES
Stephanie Umstetter – Love Stanislaus County
Victor Chavez – Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation
To learn more about NextGen on Board and participating fellows, visit stanislauscf.org/nextgen-on-board.