Dianne Fernandez, A Current Board Member:
What Young Professionals Need to Know
Becoming a board member offers an exciting opportunity to lead, innovate, and drive positive change in your community. I joined the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS) board because they value the energy, fresh perspectives, and commitment of young professionals. Additionally, their mission to improve literacy and support underserved families deeply resonates with me.
What is a Board of Directors?
A board of directors is a group elected to oversee an organization's activities and direction. They set strategic goals, ensure financial stability, and uphold the mission and values. Board members guide the organization, make key decisions, and ensure accountability.
What it Means to Be a Board Member
Being a board member means taking on a leadership role. It's about more than attending meetings – it's actively participating in decision-making and shaping the organization's future. As a board member, you will:
- Provide Strategic Direction: Set long-term goals and vision.
- Ensure Accountability: Oversee financial health and ethical integrity.
- Support the Mission: Advocate for the cause and mobilize resources.
- Collaborate: Work with other members and staff to tackle challenges.
Why Joining a Board Matters
Joining a board is about immersing yourself in an organization's mission and making a real difference. Here’s why it’s crucial for young leaders:
- Develop Leadership Skills: Hone your abilities and navigate complex decisions.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded individuals and community leaders.
- Make a Meaningful Impact: Channel your passion for innovation into lasting, positive effects.
- Using your strengths to help a cause that is important to YOU.
Aligning with UWNNS’s Core Values
When selecting a board, it's important to find one that resonates with your values. The values of UWNNS align with those of Estipona Group, the full-service marketing communications firm where I work as a full-time Social Media Specialist. These values reflect my personal beliefs, as well as the culture and mission we strive toward at Estipona Group.
- Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Respect every individual's dignity and work towards equitable solutions.
- Integrity and Transparency: Uphold high ethical standards with openness and honesty.
- Innovation and Adaptability: Think creatively and be open to change..
- Collaboration: Participate in collective action to address community issues.
- Gratitude: Appreciate and celebrate every contribution.
Embracing the Board Experience
Joining a board is about being part of something greater. It's an opportunity to use your insights and get involved in projects and committees to drive lasting change in your community.
As young professionals, we're shaping tomorrow, building a future rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. It might feel intimidating at first, but remember the impact you're having and let the mission you're supporting guide and inspire you.
Get Involved
Ready to embrace your next, new exciting chapter? Connect with United Way to discover how you can get involved. Join a board, make a difference, and encourage others in your network to do the same. Together, we can help our community thrive.