When I was first restarting my chapter as a freshman, I didn’t have a board. It was just me, feeling very uncertain of what would happen next. I was constantly worried that my work wouldn’t pay off and that this idea would just be a waste of time. I loved my time in my old chapter and wanted to recreate that atmosphere in my town. 

Without a board, everything fell on my shoulders—planning every event, texting every prospect I wanted to attend, posting on Instagram, planning community service projects, and so much more. It was daunting, to say the least. But as I reflect on that time now, as a junior, I see how far we’ve come—and the difference a passionate board can make.

Thankfully, my hard work in recruiting paid off. I recruited members who felt so passionate about BBYO that they decided to run for the board. After our 2024 Spring Elections, I felt a huge wave of relief and excitement. I would finally have the experience to work with a board, but not just any board. Our board is four girls who are passionate, determined, and kind-hearted leaders.   

Fast forward to today, and our chapter is thriving. We’ve planned creative and impactful events, growing our membership, and fostered a sense of community that I’m incredibly proud of.  

What makes a passionate board so powerful is the sense of shared purpose. When you have a group of people who care deeply about the same goal, everything feels more achievable. Tasks that once felt overwhelming when I was on my own became manageable—and even exciting—when shared among a group. More importantly, our board’s passion is contagious. When members see their peers excited and invested, it inspires them to get involved, too.

But our chapter’s success isn’t just about numbers or events; it’s about the friendships we’ve built along the way. A passionate board creates an atmosphere of encouragement and belonging, being role models for members and future leaders. 

So, I wanted to honor my board members and say a few words about each of them. I am so thankful for their hard work and working with me to rebuild a chapter. Eva, your programs are always so creative, and you’re always determined to elevate meetings one after the other. Rachel, you’re always a friendly and smiley face to every person who walks into our meetings, creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere for our chapter. Avery, your community service projects are always so good, and your passion for helping our community does not go unnoticed.  

My advice is this: invest in finding and fostering passionate leaders. Have leaders who will lead with heart. Empower them to take ownership of their roles and trust their ideas. A strong board doesn’t just lighten the load; it transforms your chapter into a community that inspires and grows.

Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Restarting this chapter was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but seeing what a passionate board can achieve has made every challenge worth it.