Vicki Sanders, Class of 2022 and 2026-2027 Chapter President
Over the past year, the chapter has significantly expanded its impact on children and youth, with plans underway to grow that impact even further.
In January 2025, an informal Youth Engagement Team was formed under the leadership of Cali Bakker. The team began by updating the chapter’s educational materials and organizing them into reusable “education trunks.” They also launched new youth-focused activities, including hands-on stations at events such as the Frisco Buffalo Stomp and expanded children’s programming at mothing events.
Near the end of 2025, Lisa Travis stepped in to lead the team while Cali was on maternity leave. During this time, the team successfully applied for and received a chapter grant to support the development of additional education trunks.
In January 2026, in conjunction with updates to the Chapter Operating Handbook, the Board formally established the Youth Engagement and Stewardship Committee (YES Committee) as a standing committee, with Lisa Travis serving as Chair. Since then, the committee has launched and advanced several key initiatives, including offering a chapter-sponsored Project WILD workshop, continuing to build and organize education trunks, and developing a centralized database of materials and lesson plans.
The committee is also expanding youth engagement at chapter events, including enhanced children’s activities at mothing programs and development of a project for the State Project Fair. In addition, planning is underway for a Junior Master Naturalist pilot program in partnership with the City of McKinney, with a target launch in the 2026–2027 school year.
Most recently, the Board approved the creation of a new board-level position, Youth Engagement Director, to provide leadership and oversight for the chapter’s growing portfolio of youth programs.
