They buildOn: Linda Chan Leads San Francisco Young Professionals Board

buildOn’s San Francisco Young Professionals Board has been revamped, and the group is launching their first-ever Mission Carnival – a carnival themed fundraiser with games and unlimited beverages – on Saturday, September 29th. We spoke with Linda Chan, president of the nine-member board and Client Success Manager at Work4 Labs, and asked her about her connection with buildOn.

How were you introduced to buildOn?
I wanted to get involved in a nonprofit, so I asked Francois Hechinger, a partner at BDO, for recommendations of nonprofits. As an active supporter of buildOn, he directed me to Catarina Schwab (buildOn’s Vice President of Development, California).

What’s the history of the San Francisco Young Professional Board?
It actually started in April of 2011. It initially began with another girl and I setting the foundation of where we are today. In the beginning of the year, Jason Hirschton, California’s Director of Development, came on and brought his ideas and connections. This past winter we went through a board rebranding together. We looked for really dedicated members and had them sign an agreement, stating they were dedicated to doing so many hours of service, as well as coordinating fundraisers. The main mission of the chapter is to actively involve the community and get the word out.

What do members on the board do?
We have monthly happy hour chapter meetings. Chapter members attend four service events a year, as well as coordinate host one fundraiser a year, and get the word out about buildOn.

What are three words you’d use to describe yourself: organized, energetic and quirky

How have you seen your contribution with buildOn make a difference?
I have seen a huge increase in awareness of the nonprofit among my peers.

What buildOn initiatives mean the most to you?
Being able to see the responses of people who have (built a school in another country) and seeing the faces of the children in buildOn schools, and how happy they are.

Complete this sentence: buildOn is community.

Learn more about the board’s Mission Carnival and purchase tickets here.