YPN Member Spotlight: Amanda Peters!

Meet Amanda Peters, Director of Development & Marketing at The Zones (Formerly Boys & Girls Club of Greater Santa Rosa)

What brought you to Sonoma County, and why did you join YPN?

My husband and I bought a house in Novato in the fall of 2021 and I was hired at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Santa Rosa – now The Zones – in February 2022. I joined YPN to grow my network in the North Bay, make friends, and get to know Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. I joined the YPN Advisory Board in 2023 because I was inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of the team, as well as the opportunities I was presented as a member. I want to help!

What can YPN do for you?

Since I don’t live in Santa Rosa, being part of YPN makes me feel more connected to the community that I’m supporting through my nonprofit work. I get to learn about all the incredible things people are doing around the city and county to make it a great place. YPN also gives members access to people in the same stage of life and career who are a fantastic support if you’re feeling alone, and who you can support with your knowledge and experience. Plus, the Advisory Board does a fantastic job coming up with fun, engaging, and educational opportunities for members to get that next promotion or find that next opportunity to advance their career.

What would you like other members to know about you, either personally or professionally?

Nonprofit work is my second career. Prior to moving from Ontario, Canada, to the Bay Area in 2016, I was a career academic; I have a PhD in Sociology from McMaster University and was a practicing behavioral scientist in healthcare and medicine. While moving here was the right choice for my family, dealing with immigration and finding work opportunities was tough! In 2018, I decided to give nonprofit a try. Nearly 5 years later, I’ve found supporting and promoting hard-working providers delivering crucial social and educational services to be deeply rewarding. Through my experience of a complete life change, I’ve learned to embrace the unknown, be open to opportunity, and always be committed to life-long learning.

What is your favorite YPN memory, and why?

I have so many! Coming across my first rattlesnake outside the restroom at the Pepperwood Preserve BASH was certainly memorable, but I have to go with volunteering at Redwood Empire Food Bank because it married two things that I love: spending time with great people and serving the community.

Whether it is “Hakuna Matata” “Carpe Diem” or “Just Do IT” - Do you have a motto in life?

I have two, “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right” and “Teamwork makes the dream work.”