Mitrata’s Young Professionals Board Needs YOU!

The Young Professionals Board (YPB) is our newest committee, having been created in 2019. YPB was designed for those with little to no board experience, and despite the name, you don’t have to be young or a professional to join. For example, YPB membership is open to stay-at-home parents even though they may not label themselves a “young professional.” All members of YPB are able to gain resume-building board experience while also helping Mitrata make a difference, one child at a time. Most YPB members also act as the liaison between YPB and one of the other Mitrata committees. This allows them to gain experience in areas such as fundraising, sponsorship, digital media, or finance.

Despite being limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YPB has already accomplished much. In previous years, they have managed booths at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, worked alongside Barre STL to hold a fundraising event for Mitrata, and even created their own Yoga in the Park event! In 2022, they were able to meet with BSF Executive Director, Leena Satyal and BSF Board President, Yogesh Satyal, while they were visiting from Nepal. They were able to share the work that YPB has done with Leena and Yogesh, and hear a firsthand account of the work Mitrata and BSF are accomplishing in Nepal.

This is what Committee Chair, Megan Mann, and Board Vice President, Rick Hendin, have to say about YPB:

“I initially got involved with the YPB because the mission really moved me. At the time I was working in early childhood education, and the story of the Mitrata children immediately spoke to me. I spent Christmas of 2017 in Nepal and had seen the poverty firsthand; once I learned of Mitrata and the work they do, I immediately wanted to get involved and help in any way possible. 

This has been an incredible experience. Since joining in 2020, I’ve met so many incredible people and have made many friends, as well. Aside from being unbelievably kind and welcoming, each person involved with Mitrata truly does everything for the kids in Nepal. It’s such a special organization and one I know I’ll be a part of for a long time. 

But apart from the mission and all the fun folks you’ll meet, being part of the YPB offers an amazing opportunity to learn and grow as a young professional. You’ll get to help make impactful decisions that affect the organization while also growing growing both personally and professionally.”

Megan Mann

YPB Chair

“I was able to go on my first trip to Nepal in 2014, and joined the Mitrata Board in January of 2015.  I've served on a number of committees and having sponsored one or more children for over ten years, have a good idea of how this wonderful non-profit organization works on behalf of children in Nepal. In addition, I spent my career in Human Resources and learned the value of development assignments, both intentional and unintentional.

Mitrata's Young Professionals Board (YPB) offers younger professionals an incredible opportunity to get involved with an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of so many children while getting a first-hand look at how a non-profit Board operates. YPB members have the chance to hone their own leadership and management skills, while adding to the overall growth and effectiveness of Mitrata.

The Mitrata Board is always looking to the future, whether for new sponsors, new Board members, or new contributors. For me, helping to guide YPB is one way to cultivate our Board leaders of the future. I am especially honored to work with this terrific group of young professionals!”

Rick Hendin

Vice President of the Mitrata Board

YPB’s goals for this year include hosting an event to build awareness of Mitrata in the St. Louis area, volunteering at Mitrata fundraising events, and growing as a committee!

This is where YOU come in! For more information, or if you or someone you know would like to be a member of the Young Professionals Board, please fill out the form below. You can also contact us anytime at ypb@mitrata.org.