JON

MCKENZIE

Safety

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?

My wife and I were referred to Cultivate by friends who had been coming for some time. At the time I was interested in yoga for the physical benefits but didn't really know that it was far more than just movement and flexibility. I have since practiced in studios around the country and each one reinforces the amazing sense of community that Cultivate has!

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

Cultivate has positioned itself to be a place for people of all backgrounds, circumstances, and experience to practice and grow together. The power of accessibility we bring is virtually unheard of. What I appreciate most is that this community finds ways to support our fellow Cleveland area humans both on and off the mat.

WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

My professional background is primarily in business with an emphasis on risk management, governance, and safety/security. I have leadership experience in several nonprofit and governmental endeavors, giving me an appreciation for the nuances between governing for-profit versus non-profit entities.

One of our greatest strengths is that Cultivate is intentionally not outwardly transactional. At the end of the day though, no organization can sustain itself if its expenses exceed its revenues so maintaining the balance that we've stuck is crucial.

I hope to bring a pragmatic focus to the Board to help us do all the little things exceptionally well so that we can spend our time dreaming big, ensuring that this community endures when we are gone.

Oh, and I've been told that I'm not half bad at putting down flooring and patching drywall. :)

WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?

This community has given me the ability to slow down, shift my focus in the moment and see the yin and yang. My wife and I have been welcomed with open arms, with the community taking us as we are, and always leaving us feeling a part of something bigger than ourselves.

BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

Family, and in particular watching our girls grow into amazing young women.