Last year, the CAST nonprofit board encouraged me to participate in executive coaching, and at the end of the process, my coach encouraged me to craft a vision statement. It read: I am a Torch-Bearer for the Wisdom of Youth. My Infectious Belief inspires others to Believe, Unite and Act. Having faith in our Young People, we co-create a more caring community where they will Lead and all will Thrive.
One of the magical qualities about CAST is that we are an organization of Torch-Bearers. Even as I keep the flame for youth voice, Deputy Director Jen Maestas is a Torch-Bearer for Teachers, a stance that was also shared by one of our early employees, Sara Sherwood. We were so fortunate when Sara retired, Anastasia Perez came in with a similar passion for teacher voice.
Another of our first CAST team members, Carol Mendenhall, was the person who always reminded us: we cannot become a school district. I am not sure how to describe this particular torch, but whenever we veered too close to bureaucratic or fearful decision making, she brought us back in line.
This year, we asked Eddie Rodriguez, formerly the keeper of our brand, to take on a new role as Sr. Partnership Director. He has become a torch-bearer for our industry partners, a role that our nonprofit board, which is led by industry, also plays.
Our new Communications Director, Stephanie Gaitan, is now the keeper of our brand. We’re fortunate this year to have brought on two more folks who are messianic about youth voice, our Student Experience Coordinator Eric Falcon, and our Development Director.
Another one of our very first employees, Dr. Carol Harle, carries so many torches it’s a wonder she doesn’t catch on fire! Carol, our School Experience Director, operates from the heart, and not only does she deeply care about students, teachers, and principals, she always brings us back to the fact that we are first and foremost a human-centered organization.
Who carries the torches in your organization? And how can you make sure these flames are continuously lit and lifted aloft?
Jeanne Russell
Executive Director
CAST Schools
