Metro Chamber Foundation’s Metro EDGE Announces Placement of Six Aspiring Young Professionals as Part of BoardLink, the New Board Development Program for Young Professionals Under 40
SACRAMENTO, CA – Metro EDGE, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, is proud to announce the placement of six aspiring young professionals on regionally recognized business boards as part of BoardLink, a new development opportunity for members of the thriving young professionals program. Launched in October 2022 and powered by Metro EDGE, BoardLink is focused on placing under-40 professionals on boards that support local economic development, transportation, workforce development, and more. The exciting new program provides young professionals with invaluable experience while also gives businesses coveted access to an emerging population of young leaders.
BoardLink is led by Metro EDGE’s Leadership Council – that includes Metro EDGE’s Board Development Chair, Liz Lorand Williams and 2022 Program Chair, Taylor Toledo – and is supported by the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation’s Executive Director, Kyla Bryant as well as President & CEO, Amanda Blackwood.
“BoardLink by Metro EDGE stemmed from young professionals seeking opportunities to grow their leadership skills while contributing to the community,” said Kyla Bryant, Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation’s Executive Director. “The Metro Foundation is excited to announce our talented pool of young professionals who will serve as voices for the next generation and develop their abilities alongside some of the region’s leading businesses and organizations.”
In this inaugural year, the six initial BoardLink placements include the following:
- Downtown Sacramento Partnership – Haley Rose, Content Specialist, VSP Vision
- Sacramento Steps Forward – Ashleigh Martinez, Analyst, Clutch
- SMART (Sacramento Metro Advocates for Rail and Transit) – Cameron Gallard, Account Executive, 3Fold Communications
- SMART (Sacramento Metro Advocates for Rail and Transit) – Mark Borges, Account Executive, Lucas Public Affairs
- Valley Vision – Taylor Toledo, VP of Insights & Analytics, 3Fold Communications
- Visit Sacramento – Mariana Corona Sabeniano, Chief of Staff, California State Assembly (& Metro EDGE Chair)
“Sacramento’s young professionals are setting the tone when it comes to the next phase of our city’s growth,” said Visit Sacramento President & CEO Mike Testa. “We are proud to take part in this important program that ensures we have voices in the room who will continue to change Sacramento for the better.”
“This program is addressing a critical need for representation by allowing diverse voices to engage in conversations addressing regional challenges,” said Evan Schmidt, Valley Vision’s CEO. “Valley Vision is thrilled to join BoardLink and support young professionals’ upward trajectory.”
Metro EDGE, supported by the Metro Foundation, will provide mentorship opportunities to these young professional leaders throughout their board term.
Interested businesses with board positions available are encouraged to reach out directly to Williams at llorandwilliams@downtownsac.org and interested Metro EDGE member candidates should visit www.metro-edge.org/get-involved/join-a-board/ to learn more.