Meet our Board Members!

“It is very exciting to see the legacy the YES program is creating with the many college graduates we now have. These young ladies will be the foundation of a sisterhood that will support and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. These college graduates are the best example of the life-changing impact YES has on our students and the community at large. TTR is championing the leaders of tomorrow.” – Mary Carbajal, Board Member

“YES: a powerful acronym for Youth Education Services. I feel particularly blessed to share not only my love for horses and gardening that Taking the Reins offers our girls but also my passion for education and learning. YES provides workshops on study skills to boost success in high school, post-high school planning which is invaluable for girls who are often first-generation college bound, and tutoring services to build academic confidence and higher grades. I am privileged to be a part of the amazing growth that YES enhances in the areas of Responsibility, Confidence,Teamwork, and Leadership by supporting the academic goals of our girls.” – Gail Mills, Secretary

“I’m so honored to be asked to join the board of this very special organization. I’ve watched TTR’s growth and evolution over the past decade, and have been so impressed with how its programming has impacted the lives of so many young girls and young women. TTR is a shining example of how horses and a community can come together to lift, empower and transform! I look forward to contributing to its mission in any way I can.” – Stephanie Drachkovitch, Board Member

“My family and friends have benefited from this remarkable organization for years, and it has been a privilege to give back and support its mission. Serving on the Board of Directors at TTR has been an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. It has provided me with the unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of an organization, collaborate with talented and diverse individuals, and witness the tangible impact of collective decision-making. The blend of challenge and fulfillment in guiding an entity towards its goals is unparalleled, fostering both personal growth and a deeper understanding of leadership.” – Efrain Bailon