Who We Are
Better Housing Coalition Young Professionals (BHCyp) is a group of enthusiastic young professionals from the Greater-Richmond area who are passionate about housing affordability and will advocate for BHC’s mission. With a focus on diversity, they come from a variety of backgrounds, such as social work, urban planning, healthcare, law, finance and real estate.
BHCyp members meet monthly and engage in service projects, networking opportunities and fundraising events that help further BHC’s mission. They’re active in social media, in their communities, and in their professions. This is a Board for the ‘doers’ in our community.
BHCyp aims to prepare members for non-profit board service by providing opportunities for professional development, networking with BHC Board of Directors, and influencing positive change in our community through advocacy and service.
BHCyp Mission Statement
The mission of BHCyp is to build community awareness of and provide support to the Better Housing Coalition, enhancing its ability to change lives and transform communities through high-quality, affordable housing in the Greater Richmond region.
“I know so much more about affordable housing and feel so much more connected to this work via my board membership… I am proud to be connected with this organization and the amazing mission it seeks to achieve.” – Chisholm Carruthers, BHCyp Member
BHCyp Membership
BHCyp members join on a yearly basis. Applications for the following calendar year will be available starting in October. There is no age limit, but members typically range from 22-39 years of age. General members should expect to dedicate 2-6 hours per month to BHCyp activities. Those opting into leadership within the organization should expect a larger time commitment.
Q&A Recording
Are you curious about BHCyp and want to learn more about what the group does, how they operate and if it’s right for you? Check out the recording of a virtual info session we held with BHCyp Chair, Kayla Smith, and Vice Chair, Sarah Brooks on Tuesday, November 30 at 12:30PM.
BHCyp Member Expectations
- Attend orientation scheduled for 1.12.22 at 6PM –New members only
- Come prepared and attend a minimum of 6 meetings annually; BHCyp meets monthly, typically at 6PM during the third week of the month
- BHCyp does not have membership dues, but each Board member is expected to provide monetary support to BHC according to their ability and circumstances
- Assist in planning BHCyp signature events including the Church Hill Bike Tour in the spring and Gingerbread House Challenge in the fall
- Leverage your network to meet fundraising and friend-raising goals
- Join a BHCyp working group (events, advocacy, membership) to plan and advance initiatives both during and outside of regular meetings
Click here for a full list of member responsibilities
Click here to read the BHCyp Leadership descriptions
APPLY TO JOIN BHCyp
The application period for the 2022 Board has passed. Applications for the 2023 Board will open in October. Stay tuned for details.
2022 BHCyp Board
Sarah Brooks, Chair
Capital One
Lee Jones, Vice Chair
H&G Design Studio
Molly Armus, Secretary
The Humane Society of the United States
Maja Gabrielson, Events Chair
Fulcrum Collaboration
Alex Hendee, Member Engagement Chair
Thalhimer
________________
Laura Campbell
LIFT
Colleen Connolly
Teach for America
Matthew Funston
CoStar- Apartments.com
Victoria Haugen
Guidehouse
Sarah Herbert
Trinity Episcopal School
Kyle Hogan
Timmons
Noah Kim
CarMax
Rose Lewis
CapCenter
Ersella Merrell
Foundation for Care
Victoria Perry
Schooley Law Firm, PC
Adarsh Ramakrishnan
CarMax
Elizabeth Ritchie
Williams Mullen
Zanas Talley
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP
Adam Tiller
Dodson Development Group
David Verdis
Kimley-Horn
Sarah Fernald, BHCyp Coordinator
Better Housing Coalition
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