An End of Year Message from our CEO |
Dear BroadFutures Community,
What an amazing year it has been for BroadFutures as we celebrate our decade of service. This year has not only marked our 10th anniversary, but one of phenomenal growth and impact. We have added 5 new staff members, 2 new board members, and 9 new employer partners, including 2 new national programs – NBC Sports and Booz Allen Hamilton. We have signed a new partnership with Merck to start in 2024. We also developed partnerships with Lesley University and the International Finance Corporation to support them in their various neurodiversity efforts. On the programming side, we ran 4 internship programs this year while also supporting several alumni in their ongoing professional pursuits.
What I embarked on 10 years ago with my co-founders, Brad Holmes and Diana Eisenstat, has exceeded my wildest expectations. BroadFutures has become a leader nationally in supporting neurodiverse talent and employers who strive for inclusive and accessible workplaces. I am so incredibly proud of what we have built. As I reflect on our decade of success and impact, it is also a poignant moment for me personally as I say goodbye to my colleague and friend, Brad Holmes who is stepping off our Board at the end of this year.
Most importantly at this time of year, I reflect on the incredible community we have supporting our vision of an inclusive workplace that empowers neurodivergent talent. We would not have been able to accomplish any of what we have over the past 10 years without the passionate support of our entire community: donors, families, employers, interns, community partners, and service providers. I am so grateful to all of you for believing in our mission and helping BroadFutures to be the organization that it is today. Last but most assuredly not least, I am so incredibly grateful and proud of our amazing team here at BroadFutures. We continue to deliver services and support at a level that has excellence as its north star. Just when you thought I would not give a quote to express my reflections on BroadFutures, I find myself compelled. Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” We are in the habit of seeking excellence in all that we do, who we serve, and who we partner with. Aristotle captured our mission perfectly and we look forward to continuing on that path in 2024, with your support and passion driving us forward.
We are hopeful you will consider BroadFutures in your end of year gift giving and we look forward to being in touch in the New Year. Happy Holidays and wishing you and your families a season filled with joy and peace. With Gratitude, |
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Please consider an end of year donation to BroadFutures. Support our mission below! |
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Heartfelt Goodbyes and Gratitude to our Retiring Board Members |
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Three of BroadFutures’ Board Members, Brad Holmes, Lisa Grove, and Anita Ayerbe will be leaving our Board of Directors at the end of this year. We are so incredibly grateful for their service and precious time to our organization as well as their passionate dedication to our mission.
Brad, Lisa, and Anita have all been some of our greatest champions, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces and celebrating neurodiversity. |
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Brad Holmes is a BroadFutures Co-Founder and has served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors for over 10 years. He will continue to serve as Board Member Emeritus. Brad is also a proud parent of a BroadFutures alumni.
“Ten years ago I shared with my two co-founders a vision to help prepare neurodiverse young adults for the workforce. By creating and growing BroadFutures that vision has become a successful reality. I am so proud of the hundreds of interns who have benefitted. This accomplishment has been the realization of an important dream of mine.” – Brad Holmes |
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| Lisa Grove served on our Board for 6 years and chaired our Board Governance Committee. She previously served on our Gala Host Committee before joining our Board. Lisa is also a proud parent of a BroadFutures alumni.
“I am so proud to have witnessed the growth of BroadFutures to the established program it has become. The innovation of the curriculum, the mentoring of the interns and the employer partners, and the outreach to the community has been outstanding. Young people who might have been underemployed have become confident in the workplace, and employers have learned about the great potential of our unique interns.” – Lisa Grove
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| Anita Ayerbe served on our Board for almost 3 years and chaired our Advancement Committee. Anita is also a proud parent of a BroadFutures alumni.
“As a parent and Board member, I have seen first hand the transformative effect the BroadFutures program has made on interns and their families. My daughter Lucy was in the COVID class of Winter 2020, and though her experience was cut short, she gained insight, confidence and most importantly, long-lasting friendships. It has been rewarding for me to spread that message to employer partners and potential interns, and to fundraise to support such an important mission.” – Anita Ayerbe
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To our Board Members, thank you for being such integral members of the BroadFutures community. We will surely miss you! |
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Interested in Applying to BroadFutures’
Summer 2024 Program? |
To Learn More about our Programs, Register for our
January 25th Information Session here. |
Employer Spotlight – Hank’s Oyster Bar |
This month we’re spotlighting one of our first time employer partners, Hank’s Oyster Bar. Hank’s Oyster Bar has been a pillar of D.C.’s restaurant and hospitality scene since 2005. Their three locations in the D.C. metro-area are well known for serving delicious seafood and providing impeccable service.
Hank’s General Manager, Shauntice Rodriguez, reflected on her partnership with us. She shared, “Our experience with BroadFutures has been rewarding for all involved. It is wonderful to watch someone progress and reach their goals. To know that we have been a part of our intern’s development makes us prouder than we can express.” Thank you Hank’s Oyster Bar for hosting our intern! We look forward to our continued partnership. |
Intern Spotlight – Devika Raj |
This month we’re shining the spotlight on Devika Raj! Devika (pictured on the left) is a BroadFutures alumn from Sterling, Virginia. She studied at George Mason University where she majored in Psychology. Devika’s thoughtful and perseverant spirit added so much to our Summer ’23 cohort.
This summer Devika interned at Concord Hospitality where she enjoyed working at the front desk and interacting with patrons. When asked to reflect on her experience at BroadFutures, Devika shared, “My favorite part of BroadFutures was the nonverbal communication activities. I really enjoyed all the team building activities as well as mingling with the other interns in the program.”
Keep up the amazing work, Devika! BroadFutures is always here to support you! |
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