Champion for Kids and Fair Play: Welcome Maren McCloud
Maren McCloud
We’re thrilled to welcome Maren to the Board of Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin. With a heart for youth development, a mind for strategy, and a pair of hiking boots always nearby, Maren brings a unique mix of experience, perspective, and purpose to our team. She's not just here to attend meetings—she’s here to move the needle.
Maren joins us with more than 20 years of experience in banking. In her current role as a Business Strategies and Initiatives Manager at Bank of America, she specializes in improving processes for both clients and internal teams. Translation: she knows how to cut through red tape, streamline systems, and still manage to find the coffee machine on the first try. A proud graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in Communications, Maren knows the power of words—and how to use them for good.
What truly sets Maren apart, though, is her deep connection to our mission. She’s been a longtime community volunteer and is passionate about helping young people find their place and their voice. That passion is evident in her leadership of a professional development program for emerging talent, where she helps others navigate their own journeys—something she learned the importance of early on.
We asked Maren a few questions to help us get to know her better:
Was there a teacher, coach, or adult in your life who believed in you? What did they do that stuck with you?
Yes, Mr. Snowden was my P.E. teacher in Middle School. I was one of the slower kids who, at the time, hated running. However, Mr. Snowden was equally animated with all of his students whether a football player on his team or the least coordinated student. He'd cheer all of us on, pushing us to do our best, whether we ran a 6 minute mile or a 10 minute mile. I felt seen and capable and to this day credit my love of activity and fitness largely in part to his influence. Fun fact, I learned to love running and leverage it today as a great way to reset, regulate, and stay fit!
Did you ever feel like you didn’t quite fit in? How did you find your way?
Definitely. I think everyone has felt this way at one time or another. For me, being exposed to and finding different activities helped me to find not only activities I was passionate about but also friends who shared similar interests. Oftentimes when we feel left out, it only takes a connect point or two in order to turn that around. To this day when I am feeling out of place or left out, I try to ask questions to help find common ground and get to know people on a different level.
What values did your family or upbringing pass on to you that still guide you today?
I was definitely raised with a strong sense of fairness and justice. I try to do my best to be fair and transparent in how I conduct myself at work and at home. I have always been bothered by inequity and injustice...I am sure this is a guiding factor in why I am so passionate about Boys & Girls Clubs. There are so many kids out there that don't have equal or comparable opportunities to many of their peers. I'm sure most people have seen videos explaining privilege; there are many out there, but this is a good one. I was fortunate to grow up with many supportive family members, teachers, and with resources to explore areas of interest. Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin helps to close some of the gaps that exist in society for many of our vulnerable children. I am so proud to be a part of the solution.
Please join us in welcoming Maren to the team. We’re grateful she’s bringing her energy, insight, and sense of justice to our shared mission.