A proven ground for board service

By Lynn Sygiel, editor, Charitable Advisors

When Forbes magazine published its list of 20 Best Cities For Young Professionals last month, Indianapolis was No. 10.

But Jesamyn Sparks, Shae LeDune and Trevor Bruner would take the description one step further: Indy has a vibrant young professional network. And the three have had a hand in creating it.

Bruner is co-president of the executive committee of Agave, the Eiteljorg Museum's young professional group. LeDune is an executive committee member. Sparks is president of the Ronald McDonald House's Young Professional Board, and has assumed other leadership responsibilities during her five years as a volunteer.

While young professional boards are a relatively recent phenomenon, nationally, nonprofits have begun to find opportunities to capture the attention of the 21-to-40-age group.

"I think that nonprofits are really recognizing the value of tapping into a slightly different demographic than traditional boards. It's really about thinking ahead and keeping the boards fresh," said Sparks. "It's great to see organizations around town that are embracing that strategy to start cultivating those board members earlier."

Sparks credits the Ronald McDonald House with having the foresight to recognize this untapped resource seven years ago. Agave got its start 10 years ago. Read more.