What We Look for in Board Members
Board members share a commitment to ending student weekend hunger in King County. We seek individuals whose experience and perspective can help advance our mission.
What to Expect
Board members play an important role in guiding the organization’s strategy, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring Backpack Brigade has the resources needed to grow its impact.
Time Commitment and Responsibilities
Board members serve two-year terms, with no term limits. Officer roles (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) are limited to one two-year term, after which members transition to another role or rotate off the board.
Meeting Schedule
The board meets 11 times per year:
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3 in-person meetings (approximately 3 hours each)
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8 virtual meetings (approximately 90 minutes each)
Meetings are typically held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM.
Attendance & Participation
Board members are expected to attend at least 75% of board meetings, review materials in advance, actively participate in discussions and decision-making
Time Commitment: Board service typically requires 3–6 hours per month, including meetings and occasional projects. Engagement Beyond Board Meetings: Board members are expected to actively support Backpack Brigade and its mission.
This may include
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Volunteering
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Attending events
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Making community connections
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Supporting donor cultivation
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Making a personal financial contribution or helping raise contributions
Board members also serve on at least one committee and attend 75% of committee meetings. Committee assignments are typically one-year commitments.
Meet our Current Board Members
Mariela Torres
Board President
A native of Honduras, Mariela has provided executive assistant support to C-Suite level executives in both the healthcare and retail industries of Fortune 500 Companies. She has specialized in business development and project management in the retail industries, in leadership roles for the planning and implementation of strategic corporate sponsor presence at events including the US Open Golf Tournament, the James Beard Taste America event, and at various annual corporate shareholder meetings. Mariela enjoys helping others both through her career and via her dedicated commitment to volunteering with local organizations such as the YWCA, United Way, and Seattle Backpack Brigade. Being able to problem solve and provide lasting solutions are strengths she provides to those with whom she collaborates. During her spare time, she is an avid cook and baker, and enjoys spending time with her young family in Seattle.
Ready to
Learn More?
Email us to start the conversation
Mary Ellen Osthus, Board Vice-President
Dre Golhke, Board Secretary
Matt Camrud, Governance Committee
Loretta Douglas, Governance Committee