Yosemite has always been a touchstone place for Monte (he/him). His mother, Beatrice, was quite the adventurous spirit and had been coming to Yosemite since she was a teenager in the 1930’s. One of Monte’s earliest memories of Yosemite Valley was when his mom brought him and his younger sister on a Thanksgiving weekend in the 1960’s. That's where he made his first snowman (and threw snowballs at his mom and sister!) and saw the firefall come down from Glacier Point.
Fast forward, he brought his children, and other friends and family members to enjoy a freezing cold Thanksgiving at Sentinel Beach for four consecutive years, and has been returning every summer since with family. Monte has enjoyed many special moments in Yosemite Valley and has backpacked in almost every quadrant of the Park. One of his favorite spots is Benson Lake. 1999 was a turning point as he was elected to join the Yosemite Institute Board (now NatureBridge). Monte was inspired by the organization’s history, mission, and the importance of helping youth get engaged with the great outdoors.
24 years later, he was honored to be elected as the Board Chair, in time to see his wish come true: the opening of the National Environmental Science Center. Monte’s four children are in their mid-40’s, and almost all of the seven grandkids are teenagers and live all around the country. He lives in Berkeley, CA with his wife, Wanda (who also loves Yosemite—they honeymooned at the Ahwahnee in 1990). Monte has two BA’s from UC Berkeley and an MBA from St. Mary's College of California. He founded and runs the firm Shining Star Consulting, providing accounting and finance area services only to nonprofit organizations.