Marin 9 to 25 Advisory Team Spotlight: Nancy Vernon
Meet Nancy Vernon (she/her), a Marin 9 to 25 Advisory Team member! Nancy is a problem-solver and project team leader who has a passion for bringing youth together. With a background in marketing and advertising and board work with non-profits, Nancy's career took a turn when she worked on a campaign for Supervisor Katie Rice and soon after came to work at the County. As a legislative aide, she was able to expand her passion for working with and supporting youth, especially in the area of mental health. As a member of coalitions like RxSafe Marin (now OD Free Marin) and the Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Nancy learned more about what youth services were offered, ultimately connecting with Marin County Probation’s Samantha Klein to identify the need for more equitable youth services. It was through this work that Nancy was introduced to BluePath Health and helped to create Marin 9 to 25. This has given her a unique perspective and set of skills that she brings to her role as an advisor.
Nancy’s passion for uplifting youth comes from her experience with foster kids and kids in the juvenile system. This is where she saw firsthand the challenges of finding the right services. Her experience as a Legislative Aide allowed her to spearhead multiple long-term public health and safety initiatives, requiring coalition building and community engagement with local leaders, nonprofits, and organizations. Connecting with people and building relationships to produce results has been the essence of what she has done for decades.
Recently, Nancy has been working on the Find Your Way youth wellness campaign. She believes that one of the biggest challenges for youth in Marin County has been navigating the complex system of services and resources. She has expressed it can be hard to find the right resources for specific needs and there are many gaps in the system that need to be addressed. Nancy and the rest of the youth and adult allies of Marin 9 to 25 have been working tirelessly to create a comprehensive resource guide that addresses these gaps and provides a centralized place for youth to find the support they need. A guide created by youth for youth. Additionally, the team has been working to build partnerships with organizations and individuals who can help fill these gaps and provide more resources for youth. She mentions that her experience as part of this team to map out paths for success for at-risk youth can be a complex but rewarding challenge.
What Nancy loves most about Marin 9 to 25 is the moments of dot connecting within youth which allows them to be in charge of their projects and initiatives while she provides guidance and support to make them a reality. Through her work with Marin 9 to 25, she is making a real difference in the lives of youth in Marin County.
Nancy hopes that people will understand all of the layers of Marin 9 to 25 as it continues to grow. In other words, she hopes more youth in Marin County learn about Marin 9 to 25 and utilize its resources. Whether it’s starting a club or organization at school or volunteering with a local non-profit, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. She also stresses the importance of building relationships and connecting with others who are passionate about the same issues. It’s important to remember that change takes time and effort, but even small actions can have a big impact.
Nancy’s passion for youth equity shines through in her work with Marin 9 to 25. She believes that what she does is a privilege and is honored to be able to work with the youth to foster a positive future. With her on board, Marin 9 to 25 can continue to uplift and build the capacity of youth in Marin. So let's continue to work together to create a brighter future for our youth!
