A Reflection of Gratitude for Rachael Scherer 

A Reflection of Gratitude for Rachael Scherer  

By Rich Melzer, YouthLink CEO

There are people who serve on boards, and then there are people who become part of the fabric of an organization and its culture. 

Rachael Scherer is the latter. 

As Rachael concludes her time as Chair of YouthLink’s Board of Directors, I’ve found myself reflecting not only on everything she has helped us accomplish, but also on the way she has gone about it—with wisdom, discipline, generosity, humor, and a deep belief in our team and the young people we serve. 

Rachael’s connection to this work has always been personal. In 1998, Rachael’s family learned that their nephew was experiencing homelessness and had been living on the streets. His story ultimately had a brighter ending, but it took years of patience, and a lot of love.

That experience was followed up by former Board Member Jeannie Joas—who was instrumental in raising funds for YouthLink’s Drop-In Center and recommending Rachael to YouthLink, which ultimately created a connection that would prove invaluable to the organization.

Rachael’s leadership has strengthened YouthLink’s financial foundation that we continue to build upon today. Early in our work together, Rachael helped create systems of greater financial clarity, discipline, and strategy. Rachael helped us, quite literally, get our books in order. She asked hard questions, helped us think differently about our financial future, and challenged us to build systems that would make YouthLink stronger not simply for the next budget cycle, but for years to come. 

That kind of leadership isn’t always the work people see. But it matters tremendously. 

Rachel didn’t stop there.  

She helped strengthen our governance and committee structure. She was intentional about Board recruitment and bringing people into the YouthLink family who could contribute their experience, relationships, and passion. And, perhaps most importantly, she understood that good leadership includes preparing for the leadership that comes next. Rachael approached Board succession thoughtfully and with precision, making sure YouthLink would continue to have strong governance and stakeholders long after her own term as Chair ended. 

That commitment to building for the future is one of the clearest reflections and legacies of Rachael’s leadership. 

Rachael has also been an extraordinary ambassador and fundraiser for YouthLink. She has opened doors, made introductions, cultivated relationships, and never hesitated to tell people why our mission matters and why she was representing. 

I saw that spirit especially clearly at Stand Up For Youth last year. Rachael shared the story of a couple who had first been introduced to YouthLink through the event. Their $1,000 first gift became a visit to YouthLink. That visit became a lasting and trusting relationship. Eventually, that relationship grew into the Andiamo Fund, named for an Italian expression meaning, fittingly, “Let’s Go!”, which is also a well-known catchphrase you’ll hear someone yelling from my office when we get great news. 

That story captured something Rachael understands deeply about philanthropy, which is fundraising is not simply about asking someone for money. It is about inviting people to be part of something special. It is about relationships, trust, and helping someone see how their generosity can change another person’s life. 

There is another lesson Rachael has shared with me over the years that I will always carry with me. 

Her father, Roger Scherer, taught his children that life has stages: first you learn, then you earn, and then you serve. His own life reflected that philosophy through business leadership, civic involvement, governance, philanthropy, and public service.  

The older I get, and the longer I have the privilege of leading YouthLink, the more I understand what her and her father meant. We spend part of our lives gaining knowledge. We spend another part building careers, families, relationships, and resources. But ultimately, what matters is how we use what we’ve learned and what we’ve been given to make a difference for those who need help and love.

Rachael has shown us what that third chapter can look like. She has served. She has served young people, many of whom she may never meet. She has served our Board. She has served our beloved team. She has served as a fearless mentor, sounding board, and truth teller. She has shared her experiences freely and has always been willing to pick up the phone, ask the next question, or help us think through the next challenge. 

And thankfully, her service to YouthLink isn’t ending with her term as Board Chair. Rachael will be joining YouthLink’s inaugural Advisory Committee, which means YouthLink will continue to benefit from her counsel, perspective, and—I’m sure—her willingness to tell us exactly what she thinks. We wouldn’t have it any other way. 

At our final Board meeting with Rachael as Chair, we described her in a few ways: strategic leader, governance champion, dedicated partner, powerful advocate, and remarkable mentor. 

All of those things are true. 

But what I appreciate most is that Rachael cares, deeply. 

She cares about YouthLink. She cares about this organization being strong and sustainable. She cares about the people who work here. And above all, she cares deeply about creating a community where young people experiencing homelessness know that they belong, that they matter, and that people like us are willing to stand beside them. 

Because of Rachael’s leadership, YouthLink is stronger than it was when she arrived. Our leadership team and I are properly equipped, as she has helped prepare YouthLink not only for what comes next, but for what comes long after that. 

We at YouthLink extend our deepest thank you for opening the doors to your world. You will always be part of ours. 

-Rich and Team