In the Q&A below, Nayeli reflects on her personal journey, her experience with Sierra Community House, and the perspective she brings to the Board of Directors.
Q: Can you share a bit about your professional background and the path that led you to community-focused work?
A: I grew up in the Tahoe–Truckee region and became a teen mother. During some of the most challenging moments of my life, I was surrounded by a community that consistently showed up for me, and I never felt alone. Through that experience, I learned about the services available to me and became an advocate for myself. I have a deep love for our region and for the people who make Tahoe–Truckee such a special place to live. I am committed to helping ensure it remains a place where everyone can feel supported, connected, and hopeful.
Through what was formerly the Truckee Family Resource Center, I received guidance, support, and encouragement that helped me build stability and confidence and eventually stand on my own. That experience left a lasting impact on me. Over time, I realized I wanted to give back to the same community that supported me so deeply, and to offer others the same care, understanding, and hope that I once received. I later became a staff member, deepening my understanding of the organization’s work from the inside. I eventually stepped away to raise my family and grow our business, but I always knew I would return in one way or another. This work and this organization truly feel like my happy place.
Q: You previously worked at one of the organizations that later merged to become Sierra Community House. What was that experience like, and what has it been like to see the organization evolve into what it is today?
A: It was an exciting moment to witness four strong, thriving organizations come together and unite around a shared mission, supporting our community through a wide range of essential services and connections.
Q: What motivated you to step into a board role now, after having engaged with this work from a different vantage point?
A: I’ve seen this work from the inside. First, as someone who needed support, and now as someone who’s in a place to help guide and sustain it. I was once a client who relied on these services during a critical time in my life, and that perspective has stayed with me. Over the years, as I gained stability and confidence, my relationship with this work shifted from receiving support to wanting to give it back. Serving on the board feels like the right moment to bring those perspectives together and help shape the future of an organization that made a real difference in my life and in our community.
Q: What excites you most about joining the Board of Directors specifically, as opposed to other ways of engaging with the organization?
A: Stepping into a board role now feels like a natural next step. I’m at a point where I can contribute thoughtfully, strategically, and with a deep understanding of how these services impact real people. I’m motivated to help ensure the organization continues to grow, remain accessible, and stay rooted in the needs of the community it serves.
Q: Are there particular programs, issue areas, or populations served by Sierra Community House that you feel especially connected to?
A: I feel connected to all of the programs Sierra Community House offers. Each service meets people at different moments in their lives, and together they create a comprehensive support system for our community. Individuals and families needs change over time, and having a broad range of accessible services is what truly strengthens families and individuals.
Q: What strengths or perspectives do you hope to bring to the board table?
A: I hope to bring a perspective that is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and an understanding of how community-based services truly impact people’s lives. Having once accessed these supports myself, I’m able to view decisions through both a human and strategic lens. I value collaboration, thoughtful listening, and keeping the voices of those we serve at the center of conversations. I also bring a deep respect for the organization’s mission and a commitment to helping Sierra Community House continue to grow in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Q: What would you love community members or supporters to better understand about Sierra Community House and the impact of its work?
A: I would love for community members and supporters to better understand that Sierra Community House not only supports our most vulnerable community members during times of crisis, but also plays a vital role in strengthening the entire community. By offering prevention, education, and ongoing support, the organization helps individuals and families build stability, resilience, and long-term well-being, which benefits everyone.
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