Youth development, youth success, service learning-Sacramento-YOUTH DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

Our Amazing YDN Team

The YDN team is a diverse group of people dedicated to making the world a better place for youth, a little bit at a time. We enjoy our work as much as we enjoy our play. When you can’t find us at the office, behind a computer, or at a training, we might be cooking, traveling, grooving, enjoying some downtime with each other, or trying something new. Last year our team activities took us to a wild mountain hike and getting lost in the Dixon Corn Maze. This year we found ourselves making candy treats and enjoying a view of Lake Tahoe during a team retreat. Who knows where next year will take us?

Take a moment to get to know us!

Adrian Ruiz | Executive Director
| Maximizer | Strategic | Woo | Communication | Ideation | -- strengths.gallup.com

Adrian is Executive Director of the Youth Development Network and a Gallup Certified Strenghs Coach. Adrian has over 15 years experience in asset-based, strengths-based youth development approach and principles. Adrian has devoted his life to serving youth worker professionals and organizational systems with a focus on creating environments for youth to maximize their potential.

916.308.7082 (c)
Email me (adrian@ydnetwork.org)
Full Biography

Eric joined the YDN team in August 2013 to support the behind the scenes action, as well as, assist with the youth facilitators of the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) camps and to design the many YDN newsletters. He began his journey into Youth Development as a member of one of the Reach coalitions called South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders (SSCFL). He helped to run a youth group, where he could help middle-schoolers and high-schoolers develop their leadership abilities.

The Youth Development Network provided training to the SSCFL staff on how to provide a safe place for young people to grow. Eric has been volunteering for YDN, over the last few years, as a photographer for various events, but especially at the YLP camps. When he's not working, he's a big computer technician and knows the ins and outs of computers. He is a proud video gamer with his favorite character being the immortal plumber, Mario.

916.566.1652 (o)
Email me (eric@ydnetwork.org)

Helen Yee started her journey into Strength Finders began in 2010 as she worked with Youth Development Network (YDN), as the Development Officer and Events Manager. As a YDN team member she focused on developing a Strengths-based culture in the organization. Through YDN, Helen has undergone extensive Gallup training on applying StrengthsFinder in the workplace and in team development. Helen is highly motivated to make a difference in peoples’ lives and giving back to the community. In her discovery and application of StrengthsFinder in her own life and in other’s lives, Helen has been able to do what she is passionate and enthusiastic about. Through workshop and seminar facilitation, Helen brings strengths to life through her extensive professional experience and has truly found her Strengths Zone.

Additionally, Helen Yee has over 20 years of board experience, including: The California State Museum, and a Chair on Sacramento Public Library Foundation, overseeing the passage of a ballot measure that brought millions in funding to city libraries. Helen brings expertise on professional fundraising and event coordination to her tenure of service. Previously, she was actively involved in several major gifts and capital campaigns for Hospice of San Joaquin, Belle Coolidge Library and the Asian Community Center.

Prior to her non-profit work, Helen was a serial entrepreneur, opening various retail stores, including Sanrio Surprises and Papyrus in Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento. She also was a pharmaceutical sales representative with Schering Plough and where she received a top national award for her professional success. Helen’s broad array of experience and commitment to bringing out the best in people has fueled her Strengths’ development and provides many real experiences in seminars that participants can relate to.

916-394-1584 (c)
Email me    (yee4development@yahoo.com)
Full Biography

Vicki Stockbridge | Assistant Director
| Achiever | Responsibility | Relator | Arranger | Empathy |  -- strengths.gallup.com

Vicki Stockbridge joined the YDN team in October of 2005. Currently she supports the organization in the position of Assistant Director/Office Administration Coordinator, managing the office responsibilities of the YDN.   Vicki is proud to be a part of the YDN team and is excited to be a part of making a difference in the lives of our young people. “Our youth are our future. Share with them the tools they need to achieve self-confidence and success.”

916.801.9926 (c)
916.566.1652 (o)
Email me    (vicki@ydnetwork.org)
Full Biography