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By Chris Gentile, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County
There is real power in opening the boardroom to the next generation. Young professionals aren’t just preparing for the future; they are actively shaping it. They live at the intersection of rapid social, technological, and economic change. They track emerging trends with fluency, spark innovation through fresh thinking, and bring the resilience that organizations need to thrive in a fast-moving world.
As a proud partner of Emerge Broward, a leadership group here in Broward County for young professionals ages 21 to 35, I’ve seen firsthand how bringing the next generation to the table builds more than just board strength. It builds bridges. Two of our current board members for Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) came to us from Emerge Broward’s Board Engagement program. The program teaches participants about nonprofit governance and community leadership by partnering them with local nonprofit boards for a one-year term. Their presence brings new perspectives, encourages creativity, and strengthens public trust in the institutions that serve them.
BGCBC is dedicated to empowering all young people—especially those who need support the most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The organization’s programs are built around four core pillars of impact: Academic Success, Character & Leadership, Health & Well-being, and Life & Workforce Readiness. Through these pillars, BGCBC supports youth with leadership development, building community, health and fitness programs, and career preparation.
Broward County is among the most diverse regions in the nation. Its young adults reflect that rich diversity, and our nonprofit boards should reflect it as well. When nonprofit boards mirror the communities they serve, they are more responsive, more empathetic, and ultimately more effective. Inclusion is not about checking boxes. It means honoring lived experience, welcoming ideas, and empowering those who best understand the needs of the community.
Diverse, multigenerational leadership strengthens nonprofit governance. It reduces blind spots, drives relevance, and improves outcomes. Inviting young, diverse voices into leadership roles equips organizations to better navigate complexity and change. And when emerging leaders are paired with seasoned board members, something powerful happens: mentorship becomes a two-way street. Senior leaders pass along institutional knowledge, while younger members share insight into emerging realities. This exchange not only sharpens strategies—it forges relationships that carry impact far beyond a single board term.
Young professionals who serve on nonprofit boards learn to manage budgets, shape strategic plans, and lead with purpose. This real-world experience prepares them to step into future leadership roles both within and beyond the nonprofit sector. Organizations that welcome young board members are investing in a stronger, more sustainable future. They’re nurturing a pipeline of leaders ready to meet challenges head-on and to carry missions forward when legacy leaders transition out.
I encourage you to learn more about Emerge Broward’s Board Engagement program at www.emergebroward.org and consider participating in next year’s matching.
