We are thrilled to announce that we welcomed eight new members to our Board of Directors this past July. Our board is instrumental in ensuring that our organization makes strategic decisions that deepen and expand our impact in the community. Over the next few months, we will introduce you to each new member.
First up is Meechel, a Controller in the Fund Administration field. Meechel brings with her more than 25 years of experience in finance, particularly in the Alternative Investment sector. She’s passionate about giving back to her community and has been involved in various Bellevue charities for more than 20 years.
“I worked in Bellevue for 17 years, and my daughter went to school here from Kindergarten to ninth grade,” shared Meechel. “Even when I moved out of Bellevue, I tried to keep my daughter a part of the Bellevue School District. They always seemed to pour a lot into their students and schools. I was on the PTA board of my daughter’s school, which is how I discovered Bellevue LifeSpring about 10 years ago.”
Read along as Meechel shares more on what inspired her to join the Bellevue LifeSpring family:
What about the Bellevue LifeSpring mission is meaningful to you?
Originally from Texas, I had similar experiences growing up and living in a low-income household. My grandparents adopted me, and they had no income for a while, so I started working at 11 years old in my neighborhood to support myself. I understand the importance of receiving basic needs. Bellevue Lifespring meets the family’s needs.
What motivated you to join the Bellevue LifeSpring Board?
I wanted to change the trajectory of my experiences and make a difference. I feel that if you are able to give and make a difference, you should do so. I have been honing my craft in accounting for over 25 years now, so I feel I can bring specific skills and knowledge to the organization.
As a new board member, I want to encourage other members to find their skills and see how they can contribute. Everyone has a unique skill set and background to bring to the table. I found something to contribute, and I feel it’s important for us to support each other and the organization collectively.
Why is it important for you to give where you live?
I would never want families to experience what I did. Children do not get to choose the environment they grow up in; they don’t get to choose that path. If I can help offer families a glimmer of hope, I will try my best to help.
It is very expensive to live in Bellevue, and many families don’t have their basic needs met, which can prevent parents from learning things like budgeting or saving for a rainy day. Nothing else is important when you must choose between putting food on the table or paying your utility bills.
What has been one of your favorite moments with Bellevue LifeSpring so far?
I attended Bellevue LifeSpring’s Step Up to the Plate Benefit Luncheon for the first time in 2023, and it was such a great experience that I returned this year. It was exciting to see how many people were in attendance and truly happy to be there to make a difference. Seeing the Volunteer of the Year award presented is inspirational, and I hope to have the opportunity to be involved someday.
What does community mean to you?
Community means wanting to be part of something, and our board members and donors share this sentiment. I remember when my family was struggling, a family friend got me some boots for Christmas, which made me so happy. It reminded me of a time when Bellevue Lifespring was giving out winter coats to families, and they got so excited that they could choose the styles and colors they wanted. Community means helping everyone improve as a whole and spreading joy.
Thank you for sharing, Meechel. We couldn’t agree more. We are thrilled to have you on board!
