Board member expertise
Our board members bring a wealth of skills and experiences to The Florida Youth Foundation, ensuring effective leadership and governance.
Strategic leadership & governance
Our board provides nonprofit management experience to guide organizational growth and compliance. They offer board governance knowledge including fiduciary responsibility, policy development, and ethical oversight. Their strategic planning skills help set long-term goals and evaluate program effectiveness.
Professional & industry expertise
Our board is comprised of education leaders (teachers, principals, administrators) who understand youth development and academic systems. It includes business professionals with backgrounds in finance, marketing, law, or operations to strengthen organizational infrastructure. We also have public service and government officials who bring insight into civic engagement, policy, and funding opportunities, as well as healthcare and mental health experts to support youth wellness initiatives.
Community engagement & advocacy
Our board includes grassroots organizers and youth advocates who ensure the foundation stays connected to real community needs. We have fundraising and donor relations specialists who help secure resources and build partnerships, and media and communications professionals who amplify the foundation’s message and impact.
Diversity & lived experience
Our board members bring culturally diverse backgrounds that reflect the youth served and promote inclusive decision-making. Many have personal stories of resilience or mentorship that inspire and inform program design. They also maintain local ties to Florida communities for authentic representation and outreach.
Mentorship & relationship building
Our board members possess strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration among board members, staff, and stakeholders. They also bring experience mentoring youth or leading volunteer teams to model the foundation’s values in action.
Impactful contributions
Our board members' contributions have significantly impacted The Florida Youth Foundation's goals, leading to strategic program development and community partnerships.
Examples of positive impact
Strategic program development: Board members helped launch cornerstone initiatives like the “Unleashing You” Youth Summit, which brought together young leaders from across Florida to build skills in leadership, advocacy, and personal growth. Their guidance ensured the summit was inclusive, empowering, and aligned with the foundation’s mission.
Scholarship expansion: Thanks to board-led partnerships with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, the foundation awarded Youth STARS Scholarships to justice-involved youth, giving them access to two-year college or technical school tuition plans. This initiative directly supports academic achievement and workforce readiness.
Community & corporate partnerships: Board members have been instrumental in securing new corporate sponsors and increasing donor engagement. These relationships have expanded the foundation’s reach and visibility, allowing for more youth success packages, back-to-school drives, and vocational opportunities.
Advocacy & public engagement: Members like Christy Daly Brodeur have used their platforms to advocate for early intervention and holistic support for at-risk youth. Her experience as an educator and community leader has helped shape messaging that resonates with families, schools, and policymakers.
Recognition & motivation: The Everyday Heroes Awards and Youth Investment Awards—both supported by board leadership—celebrate youth who’ve overcome adversity and made positive contributions. These programs boost morale and reinforce the foundation’s belief in second chances.
Long-term vision
Empowering youth through education & opportunity: Expand access to scholarships and academic support, especially for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Promote workforce readiness through job training, vocational programs, and mentorship. Create pathways to success that help youth transition into adulthood as confident, productive citizens.
Reducing juvenile delinquency through prevention: Strengthen early intervention programs that address root causes before youth enter the justice system. Foster collaboration between families, schools, businesses, and justice agencies to create a safety net of support. Educate the public and private sectors on how to invest in solutions that reduce crime and promote rehabilitation.
Building community through youth leadership: Support youth-led initiatives that improve neighborhoods and inspire civic engagement. Celebrate youth achievements through awards and recognition programs that build pride and motivation. Create a culture of second chances, where every young person is seen for their potential—not just their past.
Strengthening public-private partnerships: Mobilize business leaders and community members to contribute resources, expertise, and mentorship. Facilitate partnerships between government agencies and nonprofits to scale impact. Ensure sustainability by aligning funding, policy, and programming with long-term goals.