A Changing of the Board
By Eric Steckel | December 14, 2021
We say farewell to Jonathan Mayes and Marti Pozzi, two board members who went above and beyond to empower children and youth in our community.
Over the years, Children Rising has been blessed with a passionate, dedicated, diverse board of directors. The combined skill sets and unique perspectives each and every board member brings to the organization have guided us and made us stronger.
A board of directors is an ever-evolving group. Each year, we say farewell as board members’ terms come to an end, grateful for their contributions to empower children and youth in our community. And each year, we welcome new members to the board, each of whom brings a new passion and enthusiasm to come alongside the kids.
This past fall, Children Rising was left with some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, we have found a pair of eager new board members to ensure that the organization goes from strength to strength.
Jonathan Mayes joined the Children Rising board in 2015 and served as the board chair for the past two years. As the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Albertson’s Companies, he brought a keen understanding of the needs of the children, youth, and families in under-resourced communities. In addition to his steady leadership, Jonathan participated on numerous committees, including the Gala planning committee. His willingness to get up on stage—in a sombrero if need be—to share a message of hope and vision for the future will be missed.
Marti Pozzi has served on the board since 2018, readily volunteering for key committees, including the gala, re-branding, and community development committees. Marti has been an accomplished and acclaimed leader in fast-growth, high-tech companies for 30 years. Her deep business experience combined with leadership positions on additional nonprofit boards consistently brought high-value, innovative ideas and opportunities for growth to Children Rising.
Meca Wanger and Henrietta Fabio join the board of directors with passion and enthusiasm to come alongside the kids.
In October, Meca Wagner joined the board looking to become more involved with Children Rising. As Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for Caltrans Bay Area, Meca has hosted CareerBridge interns since 2017 and knows first-hand the impact our programs have on children and youth. “I value the importance of being in service to others and activism. Serving on the board of Children Rising will provide me the opportunity to do both,” Meca shared.
Henrietta Fabio joined the board in November. Henrietta, a native of Oakland and a graduate of Castelemont High School, retired after spending over 30 years in the insurance and financial planning industry. With such deep community roots, she has devoted her time and energy volunteering to improve Oakland neighborhoods. Henrietta was drawn to the Children Rising board from a shared belief that, “We are indeed a community called by God to work for the health, welfare, and prosperity of Oakland.”
With profound gratitude, we thank all of our board members, past and present. A nonprofit organization is only as good as its collective members, and we have benefited from some of the best on our board of directors. Thank you.
To Marti and Jonathan, we wish you all the best.
To Henrietta and Meca, welcome aboard. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working together… for the children.
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