Monika Sundem, Chief Executive Officer, Adventure Life
Employed at Adventure Life since 2006, I've served in nearly every role within the company. I helped push forward our own Adventure Life microgrants project through 2019, which succeeded in donating $98,000 in donations towards grass-roots efforts on the ground with our local partners and other partnering foundations. Post COVID, I made the decision to partner with the ATCF instead of reviving our own internal grants program, convinced that as an adventure travel industry, we can collectively make a bigger impact when we combine resources. I am proud to be a member of this organization and would be honored to help push forward its objectives.
I have volunteered in nonprofits since I was 16, serving first in my church, on staff with YoungLife, then serving through a non-profit my husband and I founded a nonprofit which ran for 8 years outside of Missoula, MT. My husband currently runs another nonprofit with my support and board participation. I have yet to work closely with a conservation organization in this capacity beyond my work at Adventure Life with the microgrants program.
Describe any previous or current experience you have working with nonprofits, foundations or conservation organizations.
Describe any current or previous experience in fundraising and development.
I have planned and executed fundraising events (banquets, comedy nights, etc). I have run one on one fundraising meetings in the past with potential donors. I feel quite comfortable asking people to support a cause I believe in.
I love what you do and want to aid in pushing it forward and potentially expanding the impact we all can make for projects on the ground.
Why are you interested in serving on the ATCF board?
I thrive in human contact roles, so would be an asset when it comes to outreach, chatting about the mission/vision to potential new members or donors. My 20 years in the industry affords me a deep network of contacts, many of whom are not connected with ATCF, particularly in the small ship cruising industry.
What specific skills, perspectives, or networks would you bring to help advance the ATCF’s mission and impact?