Youth Enrichment Services (YES) received ten bibs this year through the Bank of America Non-Profit Boston Marathon Program. We are thrilled to introduce ten runners to Team YES!
All ten runners have experience supporting YES or other non-profit organizations and are excited to raise valuable funds for YES. Read more about each runner below!
Amanda Engelhardt Talbott
Amanda has been a member of YES’ Young Professionals Committee for over two years. She bikes several thousand miles per year, backcountry skis competitively, and loves participating in CrossFit and charity runs.
“I am acutely aware that skiing is becoming prohibitively expensive. I don’t want skiing, and sports in general, to become something that only folks in the upper-middle class or higher are able to participate in. Given this, I’m very passionate about supporting YES’s mission,” says Amanda on her decision to run for YES.
Amanda wants to help ensure that generations to come will be able to reap the benefits that outdoor sports bring to lives.
Kari Kenyon
Kari discovered YES when seeking a youth-centered non-profit organization that aligns with her passions. She enjoys running, weight training, pilates, and is thrilled that her first marathon is going to be in Boston.
“Anyone who knows me knows how drawn I am to a strong mission-based organization and giving back to my community,” Kari says.
Kari believes that it is important for youth to have healthy role models to look up to and access fun and safe after-school activities. For these reasons, Kari is proud to be supporting YES in the 2024 Boston Marathon.
Mark McGarry
Mark discovered YES by living in South Boston and volunteering at his local Boys & Girls Club. Mark grew up in Massachusetts and pursued a professional snowboarding career after college. Today, Mark enjoys running and started a program called ‘Learn to Surf’ based on his favorite mantra, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
“I believe that deepening our connection to the natural world not only helps to build our confidence and endurance but also brings a healing power that we all need in the world today,” Mark says.
Mark is passionate about creating opportunities for Boston youth and opening doors for them and their future.
Sofia Monserrat
Sofia learned about YES through fellow Team YES marathon runner Ella Sirakovsk. Sofia immediately felt “drawn in” by the mission of YES and became eager to run the marathon in support of Boston Youth. Running has been a significant part of Sofia’s life since she was in sixth grade, and she continues enjoying the sport today.
“I’m running for YES because I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power that outdoor education and mentorship can have on youth,” Sofia said about her commitment to Team YES.
Sofia is guided by an unwavering passion to serve, and is excited to combine her love for outdoor education and mentoring with a commitment to creating positive change in the lives of youth.
Sam Naples
Sam first heard about YES through friends involved with the organization, and immediately connected with the YES mission. Sam is a D1 Varsity Skier at Boston College and also loves to hike and rock climb.
“I have grown up in the Boston area my whole life, and I love this city. Being from the Boston area and also attending Boston College has allowed me to dive into Boston’s culture and traditions, and I love it all. Running the Boston Marathon has always been a goal of mine,” Sam says.
Sam loves giving opportunities to people who otherwise wouldn’t receive them.
Ella Sirakovsky
Ella first discovered YES through Nye Day, a 2022 Team YES Boston Marathon Runner. When she explained YES’s mission, Ella knew it was an organization she would one day want to run for as well. Ella is a HIIT instructor, a member of Boston College Women’s Club Soccer Team, and loves going on long runs.
“I have completely immersed myself in sports and physical activity, and have grown so much as a person through these activities. My passion for sports has led me to coach young children in my neighborhood and it is always the most rewarding experience when I see these children grow in skill and confidence as the year progresses. When I heard about YES, and how they capitalize on this amazing ability of exercise to bring confidence to children I instantly knew I wanted to be involved,” Ella says.
Ella has always dreamed of running a marathon, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to do so in support of a mission about which she is passionate.
Sara Sullivan
Sara first discovered YES when a colleague started volunteering here, and she was immediately inspired by the mission of our organization.
“As someone who grew up with the privilege to play sports throughout my life, I know the importance of the physical and social act that being part of a team and doing physical activity can have on your life. I would love to be able to raise money for children who do not have access to outdoor experiences and provide them with the equal opportunity to grow physically and socially.”
Sara is thrilled to be part of Team YES and complete her first marathon in support of a cause that she believes in.
Hannah Trudeau
Hannah first learned about YES through family friends and wants to run for Team YES to give local children the outdoor opportunities that she had growing up. Hannah ski raced for Williams College and has been running for almost ten years.
“Being able to give children the opportunities that I got as a child is an amazing way to give back and help them feel part of the community that raised me,” Hannah explains.
Hannah is eager to lace up and achieve her dream of running a marathon for the first time in support of the YES mission that is so close to her heart.
Katie Wakiyama
Katie is a volunteer for YES’ Operation SnowSports and Track & Field Programs. Katie has been running her entire life, and also enjoys yoga, tennis, and stationary bike workouts.
“Let’s get kids out skiing and running so they can experience the joy, triumph, and self-confidence that comes with these activities. They are so clearly the future of our city and deserve these opportunities to shine and have fun outside!” Katie says.
Katie is passionate about YES’ mission and is ready to race for Boston youth.
Charles Williamson
Charles is a volunteer for YES’ Operation SnowSports program and raced for Team YES at the 2023 Rodman Ride for Kids. Charles loves rock climbing, biking, skiing, and running.
“I am running for YES because I believe that everyone should be able to experience the wonders that the outdoors provide. In a well-funded city like Boston, it is paramount that organizations like YES look beyond the “necessities” and into cultivating courage and confidence. Exposure to the outdoors is crucial in youth development,” Charles explains.
Charles deeply values the willpower, resilience, and confidence that outdoor experiences provide children, and is a passionate member of Team YES.