Dear Circles USA Community,
With mixed feelings of gratitude and a bit of sadness, I’m announcing that my position as Chief Integrity Officer at Circles USA will sunset on August 31 to make way for our newly restructured national office. Please know that Circles USA’s commitment to integrity and the work we’ve accomplished together remains steadfast.
Behind the scenes, Circles USA has begun actively engaging with consultants to learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and how this applies to our work specifically. Guiding this DEI initiative has been an honor. We’ve laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable institution, and I’m confident this will remain a core part of Circles USA’s mission.
Another highlight of my time here has been supporting the growth of new chapters. I’m happy to share that Addie Hartnett, our National Coach with over 10 years of boots-on-the-ground experience, has taken on these responsibilities beautifully. This ensures that the momentum we’ve built will continue to grow.
In the past 2 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with our Regional Coach team, youth program staff, volunteers, chapter coaches, and coordinators. We integrated staff professional development into our support calls, which has been crucial in providing deeper support to our chapters. This approach has helped identify areas for extra support, now reflected in our ongoing curriculum update and future webinars.
We’ve also been working closely with experts to develop new marketing strategies. You’ve already experienced some of these improvements on our social media platforms, courtesy of our new communications team. By fall 2024, we hope to launch our new website positioning Circles USA for future growth and impact.
I’ve been continually inspired by the commitment and resilience of our communities across the country. Your dedication to building community to end poverty has been a daily source of motivation and humility for me. Holding space for your voices, ensuring your needs were heard and addressed, has been a deeply personal and important part of my job. It’s through your efforts that we move closer to our vision where all individuals live in equitable, thriving communities free of poverty.
I step away from this role with a heart full of appreciation for the incredible work we’ve accomplished together. I know that Circles USA is in capable hands and will continue to thrive, making a meaningful impact in communities nationwide. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned about poverty, as well as for the amazing people working tirelessly to create real change.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve alongside you. I look forward to seeing Circles USA’s continued success.
With warm regards and blessings,
Yvette Trujillo
Read our Executive Director’s Appreciations for Yvette here.