The average age of nonprofit board members is over 50 years old.
As a result, nonprofits need younger professionals for fresh insight into financial oversight and strategic planning.
Impact at Gabriel Homes With Young Professionals
Sarah Carwile is one such young professional making an impact on the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors. A CPA with a background in working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Sarah brings professional and personal insights into Gabriel Homes and adults with IDD.
What brought Sarah to Gabriel Homes?
Sarah joined the board in 2023 after meeting Executive Director Lynn Davis at a networking event hosted by Leadership Fairfax. Her accounting skills complemented Elaine Bickel, the board’s treasurer.
“Sarah’s financial skills are a great addition to our boardHer fresh perspective strengthens our financial planning and ensures we’re prepared for the future.”
What drives Sarah toward IDD?
Two of Sarah’s neighbors had IDD, so she learned about accessibility from a young age. In high school, Sarah did the Best Buddies program, which creates friendship and leadership opportunities for students with IDD. She joined the Special Olympics around the same time, thanks to her experience managing the high school swim team. By her senior year, Sarah became a head coach for the Special Olympics swim team.
“I stayed with Special Olympics throughout college and branched out into other sports like soccer and basketball,” Sarah said. “My coaching style treats athletes like any other. I tailor my coaching to each player’s strengths and cheer them on when they compete.”
Sarah’s favorite memories with the Special Olympics are during the Star-Spangled Banner. While crowds quiet down during performances, Special Olympics athletes enthusiastically sing along to the anthem. To Sarah, their singing is a greater symbol of unity than silence.
How should nonprofits reach younger professionals like Sarah?
Sarah serves on the Young Professional Committee for Special Olympics Northern Virginia. Many professionals don’t know where to start when they want to give back to their communities, according to her. She suggests nonprofits should find more events like Leadership Fairfax’s and challenge younger leaders’ limits.
“Many younger people worry they don’t have enough experience to serve on boards,” says Michele Bolos, chair of the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors. “But they have new ideas and fresh mindsets that they can offer to nonprofits. Boards need emerging professionals so we can stay dynamic and be responsive to our communities.”