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Dear Reader, 

I’m writing to you with a full heart. I’ve noticed my heart often feels this way during a transition from what is now to what is next. Like when something long desired is finally realized, a thirst is quenched, or when something treasured departs.

The transitions that are filling my heart with excitement, a bit of sadness, and enormous gratitude are related to our board of directors—the amazing volunteers who help ensure that YES! is fulfilling its critical mission.

In January, after 19 years of board service—including the last three as co-chair—Tanya Dawkins resigned her post. Tanya’s decades of dedication have been an incredible gift to YES! To every conversation she brought deep listening, honesty, and mutual respect. To every challenge she brought courage and resolve. And to every opportunity she brought bold enthusiasm. I will miss her wisdom, wry humor, and reassuring energy and presence. 

But this sadness is tempered by enthusiasm and excitement for what’s next, as Berit Anderson joins Eli Feghali as co-chair—they will be a fantastic team. And after thoughtful conversations with many of the 90 impressive candidates who responded to our community call for board nominations in July, we are thrilled to announce the addition of five exceptional human beings to our board: Monique Davis, Samir Doshi, Khalilah Elliott, Lindsay Hill, and Cameron Trimble. 

Together with our existing board, they bring organizational vision, a deep commitment to equity, and connections to movements and philanthropy. They bring experience in strategic design, organizational development, change management, financial oversight, engaging new audiences, community-based fundraising, and scaling organizations. Most importantly, they dearly love YES! and want to ensure it reaches its full potential to help realize the equitable, sustainable, and compassionate world we know is possible. I believe that this board, working together with our outstanding staff and leadership team, can make anything happen! 

You can learn more about all of our board members at .

In gratitude, 
Christine Hanna

P.S. We look forward to working together to tell the stories that matter. Please visit to set up a monthly gift or make a special one-time gift today so we can keep the stories coming. Thank you!