40 under 40: Theresa Papandrea, SOS Outreach
Tahoe Chamber | September 25, 2018 | 40 Under 40
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Many lessons can be learned from the outdoors: respect for nature or self-reliability, to name a few. Theresa Papandrea helps more than 300 local youths (and many more in nine other states) learn those lessons and develop positive character and skills as a Senior Regional Director for SOS Outreach.
Theresa’s work in the community doesn’t end there, though. She also volunteers with the Rotary Club, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the Drug Free Coalition, Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, and more.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Theresa Papandrea!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
As the Senior Regional Director and going into my 13th winter with the organization, I oversee all of the SOS Outreach programs nationally, except for Colorado, where our headquarters are. I oversee programs in nine states, including Nevada and California, where all our Tahoe youth are served. I oversee staff training and hiring, agency recruitment, curriculum, and program implementation.
In South Lake Tahoe, we serve around 300 local youth through our programs. As a youth development non-profit we focus on character development, leadership and life-skill building, all through using outdoor adventure with positive adult mentors. I am proud to connect community members with local youth to share their passion of the outdoors in a positive way and help youth build skills they can use to better themselves. We also recently opened a South Lake Tahoe Office at 3053 Harrison Ave Unit #204!
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
I have two. First, this summer I was honored to attend the Nation Institute of Mentoring at Portland State University. I was able to further strengthen the mentoring component of our SOS programs. Second, being able to hire and bring on another staff member to serve the South Lake Tahoe youth and community!
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
Something I really love about SOS and what we teach our youth is our core values. I think Courage, Integrity, and Compassion are my favorite and values I think about daily in my career and everyday life. I am also a big believer of “Work Hard, Play Hard”.
What was your first job?
My first job was being a volleyball referee when I was in seventh grade.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I grew up in South San Francisco and most of my family is in the Bay Area. After living in Colorado and the mountains of Colorado for many years, my husband and I knew we wanted to be closer to family when we decided to settle down and have our own family. We also both wanted to be in the mountains, which made Tahoe the perfect spot. We both were living and working in Summit County, Colorado and my husband Franky got a position at Heavenly—he is the Environmental Manager. Once he got that job, I spoke with my boss about staying with SOS and helping to grow programs. My husband and I were very blessed and lucky to move to beautiful Lake Tahoe with our jobs. Now, we love calling it home with our 5-year old and 2.5-year-old daughters.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
Yes, I am part of the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe, the Drug Free Coalition that reduces youth access, Lake Tahoe Collaborative, Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, and The League to Save Lake Tahoe. I also volunteer with many other organizations with SOS youth and mentors, as it is part of the curriculum we teach. I am both professionally and personally a big believer in being an active member in your community. I also complete the Leadership Lake Tahoe Program in June.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Anything outside is awesome, from snowboarding to hiking, paddle boarding, hanging at the beach, or just playing with my daughters in the yard. We love exploring a new mountain pass or area during the fall to see the color changing and I am a sucker for farmers markets.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Chimayo Tacos, Blue Angel, Revive Coffee, Over the Edge (they have the best latte), and McDuff’s. I spend many summer nights after work at Nevada Beach, Round Hill, or Ski Run Beach and love taking my kids to Modern Maker or for ice cream at Red Hut.
Get in touch with Theresa today:
Email Theresa
SOS Outreach