The Youth Advisory Board
A hand-picked circle of proven youth-ministry leaders who help shape the heart, culture, and direction of Nieto Ministries™ and The Grind. High energy, deep faith, real experience — the kind of leaders who show up like they could leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Why the board exists
Great movements are built by great teams. The Advisory Board brings seasoned voices to the table — leaders who have spent years in the trenches with youth and young adults — to guide our programming, protect our standard, mentor emerging leaders, and keep us honest about what actually works. They are ambassadors of the mission and the bar every chapter leader aims for.
Who we're looking for
This is a high bar by design. Advisory Board members are the cream of the crop of youth-ministry leadership.
Required
- 3 letters of reference from church elders and/or pastors
- Pass a background check (youth-safety first, always)
- Deep passion for young people and for their walk of faith
- High energy and genuine, contagious enthusiasm
- Team player — builds others up, checks ego at the door
- Presentation skills — can teach, cast vision, hold a room
- Completes our Advisory Board Leadership Training
Strongly desired
- 3+ years in youth/young-adult ministry as a leader, director, or coordinator
- A track record of building or growing a ministry, program, or team
- Character and reliability others already point to
- Heart for all young people — every background, every denomination
A plus
- Experience as a trainer in youth ministries
- Experience launching events, retreats, or a coffee-house / third-place model
- Bilingual or cross-cultural ministry experience
- Willingness to mentor new chapter leaders
The selection process
A clear, fair path from application to a seat on the board.
Apply & submit your bio
Application, short bio, and your 3 reference letters from elders/pastors.
Bio & application review
We review each candidate's background, references, and ministry experience.
Zoom interview
A conversation to get to know your heart, story, and vision for young people.
Selection rating
Candidates are scored against our criteria for a fair, consistent decision.
Final approval
Leadership gives the final approval on selected candidates.
Background check
A passed background check is required before onboarding — no exceptions.
Advisory Board Leadership Training
Complete our training so every board member leads from the same playbook and standard.
Welcome to the board
A seat on the Youth Advisory Board is granted. Your profile goes live below.
Meet the board
The Advisory Board is structured for accountability, wisdom, and youth voice.
Board Structure
- Co-Chairs: Felix Nieto & Neusa Nieto (founders, permanent seats)
- 5 Voting Members: proven youth-ministry leaders selected through our process below
- 2 Non-Voting Youth Representatives (ages 18â22) â real youth voice at the table, selected by the committee once the board is seated
Total: 9 seats (7 voting + 2 youth voice). The seated committee selects new members and youth reps going forward.
Open Charter Seats (5 voting + 2 youth voice)
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Ages 18â22
Ages 18â22
Think you're board material?
If you've got the heart, the experience, and the energy — we'd love to meet you.
Apply Now Nominate Someone