“It’s a way to leave a legacy that will have a positive impact on generations to come.” Teresa Muñoz on the importance of investing in community

When Teresa first found YES, she was looking for community. She had just moved to the area and she wanted to put down roots in a place that reflected her family’s values. She discovered a sense of community through YES’s Adult Leadership Pathway, where learning alongside others and building lasting relationships deepened her connection both to the organization and to Richmond.

Over time, Teresa’s relationship with YES evolved. As she became more fully immersed in her role as a doctor caring for Richmond residents, her understanding of community health broadened. “My work goes beyond the exam room,” she shared. Supporting YES became a way to promote health equity, helping people fall in love with nature as a pathway to protecting it. Through volunteering and donating to YES, Teresa found joy, friendship, and purpose. “Volunteering is a way to give back to the Richmond community, but really it's a way to feed my soul,” she reflected. It’s become a family affair, with her three-year-old joining her at many YES events, welcomed by the community and learning the values of connection and care.

That sense of collective care inspired Teresa to invest in YES’s new Base Camp project. “It feels very special to have the opportunity to contribute to Base Camp,” she shared. “It’s a way to leave a legacy that will have a positive impact on generations to come. In my opinion, it is the best use of money to invest in the community and in our youth.”