CommunityImpact
Zeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of Directors
By Natasha von Kaenel | 12.20.2021
Zeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi brings her expertise and passion for workforce development to The Crucible Board. She will provide strategic direction and oversight to The Crucible’s long-term strategy and work to advance our mission.
Originally from Nicaragua, Zeydi came to the US when she was 17-years-old due to the civil war. After learning English, Zeydi earned her B.S. in Organizational Management and her MBA from Golden Gate University. As a member of the City of Oakland Workforce Development Board, Zeydi supported federally-funded employment and training programs and services in Oakland, making a difference both locally and nationally.
“The Crucible is honored to welcome Zeydi Gutierrez to our Board of Directors,” says Amanda Lacau-Noguera, The Crucible’s Board President. “Zeydi’s long history in supporting our youth programs coupled with her keen focus on safety in infrastructure will enable The Crucible to enhance our community outreach while at the same time ensuring our facilities continue to meet the gold standard in safety.”
Zeydi Gutierrez is the perfect person to join The Crucible’s Board as we come back from COVID. Her experience with workforce development and safety at AB&I Foundry makes her such a valuable asset as we launch our Open for Business Entrepreneurs Program and continue to update and improve our building.
Susan Mernit
Executive Director, The Crucible
Zeydi has been a longtime supporter of The Crucible and our programs and is excited to help us deepen and foster new relationships both in East Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.
“I have seen the impact that The Crucible has on young people in Oakland and how it can open up a world of opportunities,” new Board Member Zeydi Gutierrez explains. “I am a firm believer that exposure is everything. When you expose young people to what they can do in the arts, the impact is long-lasting. If they aren’t exposed to the industrial arts, they never could have thought of it as an option—for a hobby or a career.”
Zeydi was especially inspired by the young people she knows who have participated in The Crucible’s scholarship programs and the profound change she witnessed throughout their experience. “In this world of the internet, we have lost some of the preciousness of what people can make with their hands. The Crucible can put folks back in tune with that and with themselves. You have to reach inside yourself to make art.”
We are thrilled to welcome Zeydi to The Crucible’s Board. The Crucible is always looking to add interested and committed individuals to our Advisory Council or Board of Directors. if you or someone you know is interested in participating more deeply in the strategic direction of The Crucible, please reach out to susan@thecrucible.org to learn more.
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