The SaySo Team
Welcome!
Here you will meet the SaySo YOUTH Board of Directors, SaySo Staff, Adult Advisors, Adult Supporters, and Regional Assistants!
Now, meet your SaySo Team!
(If you would like to send a message to any of the Board members listed below, please email sayso@ilrinc.com. )
The SaySo Youth Board Of Directors (BOD)
The SaySo Youth Board of Directors (BOD) is an elected body of young people who meet the eligibility for SaySo membership. Each of the six regions can elect up to three representatives to the BOD to serve a one year term. Elections are held only on SaySo Saturday, annual membership conference held the first Saturday of March. The BOD is the only voting branch of the SaySo Team (adults and SRA's do not have voting power). Potential BOD members are nominated and voted upon during the Regional meetings held at SaySo Saturday. Elected BOD members are commissioned in June at SaySo Orientation. Attendance is mandatory.
The BOD is also comprised of two Executive Officers of SaySo who are serving a two year term: a Co-Chair, and either a Secretary (elected in even-numbered years) or Treasurer (elected in odd-numbered years). Executive officers are elected at SaySo Orientation by the newly commissioned BOD. At most, the BOD can have 20 members.
Region 1 - Western North Carolina (Mountains)
David R: "My life for me has been hard but I learned to take my challenges in my life and speak out about them and not hide. I think SaySo is going to give me this opportunity."
Kelley T: "My hopes for SaySo would have to be that it turns me into a professional young adult who knows how to speak publicly and carry myself well in a board room. My contributions to SaySo is my personality trait of being social, which will help me interact and voice my opinion while also advocating for other youth."
Macey W: "I would like to help SaySo by contributing my outgoing personality. SaySo helps youth everywhere. It is very important and very needed for foster care. My hopes are that it will expand and be known everywhere."
Region 2 - South Central North Carolina (Charlotte Area)
Shaquanda G (Sergeant-At-Arms):
Katie Q: "SaySo is a very beneficial program for foster youth because it allows our voice to be recognized. My goal is to open a local chapter within the next six months. I am a very stubborn person, which I think is a good contribution to SaySo. If I see an issue that needs to be addressed, I won’t quit until something changes."
Region 3 - North Central North Carolina (Triad Area)
Corae H: "Not everyone will have the same problems, that's why I will contribute my ability to be open-minded to SaySo. That way each and every individual needs could be met."
Tressina J: "Hi, I am Tressina. I am an interest reader and rising singer. I am a high school student at Atkins High School of Pre-Engineering. I love animals and would love to go to college to pursue my career."
Patrick Y: "By using the voice that SaySo provides me, I want to try and keep families together and keep the brothers and sisters together."
Region 4 - Central North Carolina (Triangle Area)
Erica F (Secretary): "My hopes for SaySo is that it will expand not just in a youth level but also adult level. I would like to contribute my time, honor, dedication and love. I can help SaySo by participating and speaking out for others and myself. I love SaySo. Its changed me as a person and a foster youth. I am proud of my transition."
Mahdi K: "I am a junior in school and I love to meet new people and I hope to impact other people lives while representing SaySo."
Damonique L (Treasurer):
Marcella M (Co-Chair): "I enjoy SaySo. I love being an advocate for my region and for foster youth."
Region 5 - North Eastern North Carolina (including the Outter Banks)
Shanita D: "I hope to contribute my time, effort, and dedication to SaySo. I want to help expand and educate others about SaySo to the point where it is as well known as McDonalds, Red Cross and other organizations."
Titianna G (Co-Chair): "I am a freshman in college and I have served as a Senate page for a week. I encourage you to try it."
Sarah H: "I am a sophomore in high school. I like to write poetry, hang out with my friends, and anything that has to do with art expressing myself."
Region 6 - South Eastern North Carolina (Down East)
Kalyn D: "Turn your wounds into wisdom." (Oprah Winfrey) This is a powerful statement for me. I hope it inspires you too!"
Roman R: "I am a student at East Carolina University and I am majoring in Social Work. Hopefully as I am going through my college experience, I can contribute my service, time, money, and perspective to make SaySo grow even better than it has in previous years."
Click the following to learn more about the Adult Team Members of SaySo