Board Member Spotlight - Estee Horn
1. How did you hear about Hands4Hope?
As a parent of two in the El Dorado Hills community, I first learned about Hands4Hope years ago while my sons attended Jackson Elementary School and Marina Village Middle School when the programs launched on campus for the youth to participate.
2. We know you could dedicate your time to many other boards/non profits in the community. What is your position on our Board and why did you choose Hands4Hope?
I have been asked to join the Board as a Director to bring my accounting and finance expertise to compliment the groups diverse skills. I personally believe it is my inherent responsibility to give back to my community. I want to utilize my skills and knowledge where they maximize my contributions and impact to support causes I find valuable. I was fortunate in that Hands4Hope had a need for someone with my skillset as I find the work this organization does is fantastic and aligns with core values.
3. What is your impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth?
I have been impressed by the program and the youth involvement in our community. I believe instilling a sense of responsibility and love of service in our children is very important along with teaching leadership beyond the classroom setting. Hands4Hope really does great work in both of these areas.
4. What are you looking forward to doing most while on the board?
I look forward to working hard to support the organization in continued success with existing programs and the expansion of new programs.
5. Please tell us about your background, hobbies, interests and family.
I am a mom of two boys, 18 & 16 years old. I’ve been married 21 years and have been a resident of El Dorado Hills for the past 17 years. We made the move from the Bay Area to provide a slower paced, more community-oriented lifestyle for our family. We love EDH and have never regretted making the move. I cannot think of a better place to raise children. I am a CPA and partner in my own Firm located in Folsom. I’ve worked as a local business owner for the past 15 years and thoroughly enjoy the work I do. I get to work with many local businesses and families and support them in their tax and accounting needs, providing expertise and services in areas they may not be super comfortable with. We try to take the fear and anxiety out of the #’s side of business for our clients that just don’t love that part of having a business. I enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, especially paddle boarding on the river, skiing in the winter and yoga. I also love spending time with my family (which we have been getting a lot of lately), friends, and travelling.
Board Member Spotlight - Meredith Wharton
1. How did you hear about Hands4Hope?
One of my dear friends, told me about it. Right off, I loved the concept of empowering youth to develop their own community service projects, so, I started asking around and found out that my son's girlfriend, Mattie served on a youth project and was delighted by the experience. I was intrigued!
2. We know you could dedicate your time to many other boards/non profits in the community. What is your position on our Board and why did you choose Hands4Hope?
Hands4Hope speaks to everything I believe in! It's about empowering youth to take action. It shows them that they CAN make a difference right here at home. Global problems can seem so overwhelming, but if a young person learns early on that they can take action and that it does make a difference, it can have a tremendous impact on their future and that of our planet.
I am a Board Director and serve on the External Affairs Committee on the Board, which shares Hands4Hope's mission with the community.
3. What is your impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth?
Recently I watched Hands4Hope youth turn a cold empty retail space into an absolutely beautiful Winter boutique. About 400 economically vulnerable people received desperately needed warm clothing. The shoppers were delighted by the beautiful coats, sweaters, baby clothes, shoes and more. The youth leaders beamed with pride at the result of their work! These kids will grow up with a heart full of experiences like these which shapes their future personal and professional lives.
4. What are you looking forward to doing most while on the board?
I look forward to inspiring more parents, kids and supporters to get involved with Hands4Hope! My plan is to assist the Hands4Hope team with their marketing efforts. I have a background in Marketing and Communication, so hopefully I can be helpful here.
5. Please tell us about your background, hobbies, interests and family.
With the support of my husband Mark, I am able to turn my hobbies into my profession! I compete in Ironman Triathlons, marathons and obstacle racing, so naturally I became a Fitness trainer. My other passion is fashion! I have a traveling/virtual Cabi clothing boutique. Previously I was a marketing manager for Intel and a public information officer for Sacramento County Water Agencies.
Mark works in Industrial Automation and we have one son, Lance who just started an Industrial Engineering program at Cal Poly SLO. We are super proud of him!
6. Anything else you'd like to share?
It is times like these when we recognize how important community is! I am proud to be a new Board member for Hands4Hope. This local organization gives our youth the chance to shine through leadership, while making a measurable impact in our community.