By Britt Moore, Director of Communications
Showing Up and Choosing to Stay
For Rebecca Whitney, joining the Raise the Future Board of Directors is an opportunity to put a deeply held belief into action: every young person deserves a caring adult who consistently shows up. As a business leader, devoted aunt, and someone who believes in making the most of every chapter, Rebecca brings both her leadership experience and her personal commitment to connection to Raise the Future.
Tell us a little about yourself. What should our supporters know about your professional background and personal interests?
I'm currently the CEO of Young Innovations, a company that manufactures and commercializes products for the dental industry. I've spent much of my career leading medical tech companies, building products, teams, and organizations that make a real difference. I've always felt fortunate to work in an industry with such a strong sense of purpose.
My mantra is "life is in session." I try to be fully present and make the most of every chapter rather than waiting for some future moment to start living.
Outside of work, you'll usually find me outdoors hiking, skiing, planning my next international adventure, or looking for a new challenge. Family is also central to who I am. I'm very close with my brother and sister, and I love being a devoted aunt to my six nieces and nephews.
What inspired you to join the Raise the Future Board of Directors?
I said yes because I want to give back to a cause I truly believe in. I don't have children of my own, but I've seen firsthand how much of a difference an adult who shows up consistently and intentionally can make in a child's life, even when that child isn't biologically theirs.
Raise the Future's work reflects exactly that belief, and I wanted to be part of making it happen for more kids.
What about Raise the Future's mission resonates most with you?
The focus on connection resonates deeply with me. I know from my own life, especially through my relationships with my nieces and nephews, how much a caring, present adult can shape a child's sense of security and possibility.
Raise the Future's mission is built on that same truth: every young person deserves someone who shows up for them, and that presence can change the entire trajectory of their life.
As a new board member, what are you most looking forward to contributing or accomplishing?
I'm excited to bring my business acumen and experience building and leading teams to the board. Running organizations has taught me how to set a clear vision, build strong systems, and empower the right people to execute. I'm looking forward to applying that same thinking to help Raise the Future grow its impact and reach even more youth and families.
For me, this is "life is in session" in action: showing up, leaning in, and making the most of this next chapter by helping create more opportunities for young people who need them.
Why do you believe lasting connections are so important for youth experiencing foster care?
Stability and belonging are foundational to how any of us grow into who we're meant to be. Kids in foster care have often experienced disruption and loss beyond what most of us can imagine, and what they need most are adults who are consistent, adults who choose to stay.
Every day is a chance for a young person to feel seen, supported, and realize that they matter. A lasting connection is what turns that belief into something real and ongoing, rather than a single moment that fades.