Where do we start with this incredible woman!
Our Board President for the last couple of years, Breana Grosz started as a volunteer several years ago. She has been a pivotal part of the advancement of AccesSurf and we have thoroughly enjoyed having her as our Board president! She will soon be stepping down as president but will remain involved on our board and we are so thankful! Sorry Bre, you cant totally get rid of us! Good luck on your future endeavors!
Tell us a little about yourself
Aloha! My name is Breana and I’m originally from Michigan. I lived in Hawaiʻi for nine years where I volunteered with AccesSurf for most of that time. I recently moved to Kansas City for work and was honored to continue serving as president of the board through 2023. In my spare time I really look forward to spending time with family, strategic planning for AccesSurf, networking with new friends and traveling off the beaten path.
How and when you heard about /started with Accessurf.
I first encountered AccesSurf when a young professional’s volunteer group introduced me to the organization. The goal of the volunteer group was to go to a new nonprofit each month- AccesSurf was the first stop and I never left! I was only supposed to live in Hawaii for two years however I literally stayed for AccesSurf and my love of Hawaiʻi.
What does AccesSurf mean to you?
I had been looking for a community like AccesSurf for as long as I can remember. There are not too many organizations that let you be who you are and in turn provides such a loving, inclusive community. I grew up with my Grandma who was wheelchair bound and my cousin who has Down syndrome- I love that I have the opportunity to be part of a community that provides access to everyone.
What is your favorite AccesSurf memory?
There are too many memories to count but my core memory will be any time you’re standing on the beach and one of our participants and volunteers catch a wave. The whole beach erupts with clapping and your heart soars when you see the smile on their faces- it is one of the best feelings in the world and a reminder of our mission & why we do what we do at AccesSurf.
If you haven’t been to a Day at the Beach – this is your encouragement to go see it for yourself. It is pure magic!
Anything you want our community to know?
I’d like to thank you ALL – Cara, our participants & their families, fellow board members, leadership committee, volunteers including our key leads – for leading and being part of this community with such aloha. You all are truly the best and make our community special.
After volunteering with AccesSurf for more than 7 years, it is still as awesome as it was my first-time volunteering- that’s why you see so many people return year after year. AccesSurf has really become a second home to many of us. If you’re thinking of getting more involved I’d love to help you find the right path for you or even hear your favorite AccesSurf stories- drop me a line bgrosz@taubman.com.
