By: Molly Mayo, Executive Director & Kelly Quinlan, SE Uplift Board of Directors
Kelly Quinlan is a departing SE Uplift board member representing On-the-Move Community Integration, a nonprofit that supports community inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kelly shares her reflections on the past year in an interview below.
What did you like about serving on the SEUL board?
“Learning. Learning about different issues that the organization supports, especially issues around Trimet and public transit, and housing.”
Kelly, you are the first coalition board member with an intellectual disability. What are your thoughts about that?
“For me it was very educational and expansive.”
Do you have a favorite moment or memory from the board?
“I liked the guest presenters, especially Jessica’s presentation about Central City in Motion.”
You are also on the On-the-Move Community Integration board. How does board service on the two boards compare?
“At the On-the-Move board meetings we focus on the organization itself, like the budget and donors. We try to establish community partners and reach out, and that’s been really helpful for the organization. At the SE Uplift board we talk about community issues, like transportation and housing.”
How could the board improve?
“Individual board members should spend more time at the organization to better understand the programs. At meetings more time could be taken before voting— like a small group discussion before voting, or introducing a topic one month and then voting on it the next month.”
What would you like potential new board members to know?
“You’ll learn a lot and be educated on issues.”
What else would like to share?
“People on the board are very passionate about things!”
If you are interested in joining the SE Uplift board of directors, nominations are open! You can access an application here. Apply by June 25, 2019.