At iACT, we are so grateful for our Board of Directors! In this Board Spotlight, Ryan Parks tells us a little more about himself.
Q: Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin?
A: 5th Generation Texan, I was born in Waco. I’ve been in Austin for 17 years.
How long have you served on the iACT Board?
I joined the Finance committee 5 years ago. And I this is my third year on iACT’s Board.
What made you want to serve as an iACT Board Member?
I have a deep appreciation for the mission and programs of IACT and view my board service as an amazing opportunity to positively impact my community.
What do you enjoy the most about your role as a Board Member of iACT?
I enjoy bringing my financial expertise to the group to offer my perspective on the financial impact of our strategic decisions as an organization.
What’s the most challenging thing about working as a Board Member of iACT?
The real answer is politicization of refugees, but the political answer would be that I have found it challenging to find ways to broaden the impact of the organization given our resources. We really know how to stretch our funds and do a fantastic job, but growing funding and giving is never easy. I am so grateful to all the people and organizations that do support us!
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a Board Member of iACT?
Hearing about the impact we have made in the lives of the elderly in our community, refugees, and particularly children touches me deeply. Offering spaces for the great diversity of Austin to come together in safe spaces to celebrate, volunteer, and interact feels really good!
Why would you encourage others to support the work of iACT?
A wise friend of mine said recently, “When it gets down to it, there are no others, just us.” IACT gives us a way to be a part of something bigger that brings people together in such a beautiful way to impact our community.
