Welcoming New Board Members
Over the past year, Fiver has welcomed 7 new members to our Board of Directors. We asked them to share with us why they decided to join our board, and what they hope to accomplish in the year ahead. We are grateful to each for their commitment to our mission, and are excited to have their expertise added to our incredible group of leaders!
Luke Glisan, Macquarie Group
“Having a chance to learn about Fiver’s work from the staff and other board members, and to meet some of the Fivers – especially meeting the Fivers – has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year and I am excited to find ways to contribute in the years ahead. In my first year I want to listen and learn from my fellow board members – both the new members and existing members. I will bring energy, enthusiasm, and a new perspective in the year ahead.”
Aaron Isaacson, JPMorgan Chase
“I have been wanting to be more involved supporting youth development for a number of years and I reached a point in my personal life where I could devote the time and effort. When reviewing the opportunities for board service, Fiver's approach resonated with me immediately. I could see the power of the 10 year commitment, the impact of the summer camp, and the way the year-round programs would come together to empower Fivers and give them the platform to be successful. Then as I met members of the Fiver staff and Board, I could see that not only did I want to support Fiver's mission but this was a great group of people that I wanted to join. It was an easy decision really in the end. In the upcoming year I would like to better understand how Fiver works and everything that goes into delivering for our Fiver participants. With that understanding of what is working well and where we may have some opportunities, I hope to leverage the skills I've built in my career to help Fiver expand or deepen our reach, particularly in my role as a member of the Development Committee of the Board.
Daphne Leroy, ViacomCBS
“Fiver brings to life one of my personal mantras of lifting as we climb. As a proud native New Yorker, I decided to join the Fiver Board in support of the organization's unwavering 10-year commitment to the development of youth across New York. Over the coming year, I look forward to collaborating with fellow Board Directors and the Fiver staff to help sustain and grow the unique programs that are making a lasting impact across the Fiver community and beyond.”
Ryland M. McClendon, JPMorgan Chase
“I’ve lived in New York City for a little over 7 years now and I was looking for opportunities to support my local community. When I first read about Fiver I was blown away by its 10 year commitment to the Fiver kids and their families and wanted to learn more. Through my conversations with Fiver Board members and staff, I got a sense of what a strong, familial culture Fiver has and how deeply everyone cares about Fiver’s youth. I also had the opportunity to attend the virtual graduation ceremony for Fiver’s 2020 class—hearing the graduates’ emotional stories about the positive impact Fiver had on their lives sealed my decision. In the year ahead, I hope to increase awareness about the great work Fiver is doing and support Fiver’s youth by strengthening our programming and expanding access to internship opportunities.”
Eleine Polido, Mastercard
“My personal opinion is that positive experiences can lead to positive choices; therefore, the mission of the Fiver Children's Foundation resonated with me deeply. I was also fascinated with the program and the long-term commitment to children. I worked as a volunteer in some nonprofit organizations in Brazil that also supported children in underserved communities, and I know from experience that a long-term commitment is essential to have a significant impact on their future. By joining the Program Committee of the board, I want to support the Fiver team to continue evaluating and improving the existing program. I also want to expand our base of supporters by increasing the visibility of the program within my network, so that Fiver can continue to make a difference in the lives of many children.”
Jessica Rawlins, All Our Kin
“I joined the Fiver board because I was inspired by the long-term commitment that the programs make to our children and families. In a society where so many institutions are instead breaking promises, Fiver’s unwavering dedication to this mission is remarkable.
This year, I hope to help Fiver build increased support and further develop its fundraising strategy, particularly in this shifting philanthropic landscape. “
Darren Schluter, PJT Partners
“I decided to join the Board because I am a product of an organization very similar to Fiver. I am fortunate to be in a position to give back and service is a very important part of who I am. Over the course of the next year I want to do everything I can to ensure that Fiver stays on track despite everything going on in the world; this is a powerful opportunity to contribute to the organization’s overall growth.”