Three awesome people

It’s simple.

The best way for our Community Foundation to make good decisions about the resources that have been entrusted to us is to leave it in the care of a board of directors that are professionals with diverse backgrounds and leaders committed, passionate and reflective of people in our region.

That’s why I was excited last month to announce the three Quad Citizens who joined our board of directors, individuals from all walks of life in gender, race, culture and experience who will walk with us as we realize our mission to transform the region through the generosity of people like you.

Edward Cervantes, Thomas Toms, and LaDrina Wilson bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields, and a genuine desire to be part of an organization that is working to be inclusive and equitable across our region.

Ed, an attorney with Cervantes and Gordon, PLC, helped establish the Quad Cities Mexican American Organization Scholarship and will create energy and momentum around the opportunities available for minorities in our region. Tom is the former CEO of Thoms Proestler Company, and has spent part of his life’s work investing in various local nonprofits, giving him a keen eye for pockets of our community that have the greatest need. LaDrina, who is the dean of students at Eastern Iowa Community College, is ready to come alongside young professionals in the Quad Cities to ensure they are successful and have every opportunity to pour back into the community.

Three awesome people!

The ideas and energy of our new board members will complement the community leadership, engagement and investments already being made at the Community Foundation. This morning, I’m excited to announce that we will be a major sponsor of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala. It’s a volunteer organization that champions and highlights the contributions of our rich, diverse Hispanic culture. They have an exciting evening and guest speaker planned, which will be announced shortly (be on the lookout for it!).

It’s just one of the many ways we seek to partner with our entire community. Every single day, I have the privilege of working alongside a staff and board and community who, though likeminded in their desire to make the Quad Cities a wonderful place, bring their own voice to the table. The result: a greater Quad Cities.

We must never forget that our work at the Community Foundation is only as strong as the people who carry out the mission. Our board is strong and creative in not only backing our mission, but living it out. Welcome to our awesome board, Ed, Tom and LaDrina!