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Letter from Brian Werdesheim

Dear Friends and Family of the Banyan Foundation

As we move from the joys and relaxation of Summer into Fall and the start of another school year I wanted to wish all of you a great school year ahead.

At Banyan, we are grateful for your support and participation and really couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead. We will be welcoming many new students into this year’s edition of The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) and we are very pleased to welcome Dr. Jon Carroll to the team, who is the newly appointed Executive Director of the YLC.

The application window is now open for new 9-12th grade students who wish to apply for entrance into the Council. With only a few spots left we encourage all interested students to go online (www.thebanyanfoundation.org) and complete the online application. Only a few spots remain so please complete this step of you want to be considered.

We will commence activities for this year’s YLC on Sunday October 7th. We are excited to welcome back Erik from Game On Nation who will lead our new group of students in various games and exercises to build trust, confidence, team work and buy in for the year ahead.

We will have a published schedule soon but please know there are about 14 meetings mostly on Sunday mornings between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. (October 7 - Mid May)

Looking forward to another successful year with supportive parents and great kids.

Respectfully-

Brian Werdesheim
Founder & Chairman | The Banyan Foundation.

Our Class of 2018

We had a remarkable year and the best way to show you is through this video that was put together by the first Banyan Foundation Youth Leadership Council in conjunction with the USC School of Cinema-Media Institute for Social Change.

Thank You to Our 2018 Sponsors

Tammi Smith
The Ellin Family
Robin Conklin
The Adam Bass Family
Jeff Werdesheim
Milan DeMillan

About US

The Idea

The team of The Banyan Foundation has spent twelve years learning how to be responsible with their donor’s generosity. It’s now time to take the effort to an entirely different level that leverages its relationships, experience and philosophy to make a huge impact for our members and their kids, deserving children and our surrounding communities. Our board members are passionate about the new model because it accomplishes everything; transparency, empowerment, education, sustainability and cost efficiency.

  • Youth leadership
  • Adult mentorship
  • philanthropy
  • social enterprise

The Team

Responsible Philanthropy
Brian Werdesheim
Brian Werdesheim
Founder/Chairman
Brian Werdesheim is a founding member of The Summa Group of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“Oppenheimer”), a private client financial advisory team that provides… Continue reading
Jon Carroll
Jon Carroll
Executive Director
Dr. Jonathan A. Carroll is the oldest of three children born to educators John and Emily Carroll. Continue reading
MITCH KIRSCH
MITCH KIRSCH
Board Member
Mitch has 29 years experience in live events, overseeing production of music-driven, interactive experiences, tv specials, corporate functions, and fundraisers.
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RICK SINGER
RICK SINGER
Board Member
Rick Singer is the CEO and Master Coach of the world’s largest private Life Coaching and College Counseling Company, The Key…
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CARRIE WEST
CARRIE WEST
Board Member
Carrie has over 25 years experience helping companies achieve results and grow their business. Her overarching goals are to help build communities and support future generations. The Bayan Foundation is the perfect avenue to achieve both.
Karen Levine
Karen Levine
Advisory Board
Karen Levine graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science.
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Robert Dalie
Robert Dalie
Advisory Board
Robert Dalie is an Executive Director of Investments with The Summa Group of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer”).
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Jeff Werdesheim
Jeff Werdesheim
Advisory Board
Jeffrey is a founding member of The Summa Group of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“Oppenheimer”).
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Savannah Pincus
Savannah Pincus
Advisory Board

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