Youth Champions Welcomes Elise Cortes As New Board Member
Elise Cortes joins Youth Champions’ Board of Directors and brings her expertise as a Business Analytics and Development Manager, enhancing the organization’s mission to empower low-income and at-risk high school students.
LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2024 – Youth Champions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income and at-risk high school students in Los Angeles and beyond, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Elise Cortes to its Board of Directors.
Elise Cortes is a Business Analytics and Development Manager at Vincor Construction, Inc. and she is a passionate advocate for education and community development. Elise earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Elise works as head of operations at Vincor Construction Inc. She is also committed to pursuing her MBA. Beyond her academic pursuits, Elise is deeply engaged in community service. She donates her time to Catholic Charities Orange County, showcasing her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Additionally, she leads her company’s philanthropic initiatives, spearheading their annual “Hard Hat Comedy” event which raises money for various foundations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Elise Cortes to our Board of Directors,” said Cambria Cline, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of Youth Champions. “Her background in business analytics and commitment to youth empowerment make her a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that her insights and expertise will help us continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students we serve.”
As a member of the Board of Directors, Elise Cortes brings a wealth of experience to further support the growth and impact of the organization. She will play a key role in guiding the strategic direction of Youth Champions, contributing her expertise to enhance program effectiveness, foster community partnerships, and ensure the sustainability of the organization’s mission.
“I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Youth Champions and contribute to the incredible work being done to empower young students,” said Elise Cortes. “I am excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of youth and helping them unlock their full potential.”
Youth Champions serves approximately 250 high school students each year through a comprehensive curriculum that enhances their personal skills, helps them gain real-world experience, encourages them to explore potential career paths, and enables them to be competitive in the 21st-century marketplace. Students participate in a series of 24 virtual workshops on crucial topics such as problem-solving, leadership skills, financial literacy, good habit-building, personal responsibility, and independent thinking. In addition, students attend six exploratory field trips designed to expand their career and educational horizons and begin to identify their strengths and interests. Based on their level of participation, students can earn up to $1,000 each year.
Youth Champions was established in 2017 under the umbrella of AltaMed Health Services, a trusted community health organization in Southern California. AltaMed served as an incubator for the program by providing backend support, student recruitment, and program management. The decision to establish Youth Champions as an independent entity stems from the desire to provide even greater support to high school students beyond the Southern California community.
Elise Cortes joins our esteemed ten Board of Directors: Jack Cline Jr., Cambria Cline, Jacky Dilfer, Vera Campbell, Cástulo de la Rocha, Michael Dolphin, Richard Gomez, Ferdinand Mehlinger, Bob Smiland, and Heriberto Gonzalez. Together, this dedicated group guides and supports the mission and vision of Youth Champions, ensuring the success and empowerment of our students.
For more information about Youth Champions, please visit www.youth-champions.org or contact info@youth-champions.org.
About Youth Champions: Youth Champions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high school students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make informed life decisions. Through a paid personal development internship that includes 24 interactive virtual workshops, six in-person field trips, mentorship programs, alumni association and educational resources, Youth Champions empowers young individuals to navigate the complex world of education, career, and personal finance confidently. By equipping students with these strategic tools, Youth Champions aims to foster a generation that is responsible, capable, and empowered to achieve all their goals. Since 2017, Youth Champions has served more than 1,000 students from 61 schools and awarded $328,500 in internship stipends and scholarships. www.youth-champions.org
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