We recently connected with Amanda Voss and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose for founding Yavapai Exploration and Science (YES!) was a journey deeply rooted in both my professional experiences and personal aspirations. After spending 15 years in the classroom, holding roles from teacher to principal, I had the privilege of working with children of various ages and seeing firsthand the incredible potential they bring to learning. However, over the years, I witnessed a shift in the educational landscape that left me concerned.
The focus in schools, both public and charter, began to drift away from nurturing a genuine love for learning—one that fuels curiosity and inspires lifelong exploration—and moved toward a rigid adherence to standardized curricula. The joy and creativity that once defined education seemed increasingly overshadowed by metrics and mandates. It was disheartening to see how this impacted not only the students but also the educators and families involved.
As a mother, this concern became even more personal. My 8-year-old daughter, full of questions and an unfiltered excitement about the world, deserves an education that fuels her curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and empowers her to dream big. I realized that if I wanted something better for her and children like her, I had to be part of creating it.
That realization ignited my purpose and led to the founding of YES!. I wanted to create a space where curiosity is celebrated, hands-on exploration is prioritized, and children are equipped with the skills and confidence to become innovators of tomorrow. Beyond that, I wanted to build a community where families, educators, and learners can come together to rediscover the joy of discovery.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the founder of YES!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) outreach programs. At YES!, we provide hands-on, engaging educational experiences for children and families, driven by our mission to cultivate a society where curiosity is celebrated, critical thinking is encouraged, and innovation thrives.
A cornerstone of our work is community outreach, which has allowed us to serve over 4,000 individuals so far. We partner with incredible organizations like Nature Niños, a program that focuses on connecting children to the natural world through outdoor education and play. Together, we design and deliver programs that encourage kids to explore the intersection of nature and science, fostering an appreciation for the environment while developing critical STEAM skills.
We also collaborate with the Prescott Public Library to provide free, family-friendly events where kids can dive into topics like engineering, biology, and technology through interactive, hands-on activities. These partnerships are vital to our mission, allowing us to bring educational experiences directly to the community at no cost, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
What makes YES! especially unique is that it is entirely volunteer-run, supported by a passionate board made up of mothers from our community. These incredible women are not only dedicated advocates for education but also parents who understand firsthand the value of creating enriching opportunities for their children. Their unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind YES!’s success, and together we’re building something truly impactful.
One of our most exciting upcoming events is the YES! Explorers Challenge on May 10. This family-friendly event will feature engaging STEAM challenges that inspire teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, all while celebrating the joy of learning. It’s a perfect reflection of what YES! represents: bringing families together to explore, discover, and grow.
Currently, we’re in the fundraising stage of development as we work toward a transformational goal—purchasing a building to serve as our permanent home. This space will allow us to expand our programs, offer more hands-on workshops and events, and create a hub for learning and innovation that our community can call its own.
At its heart, YES! is about more than education. It’s about inspiring the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and innovators, while fostering a sense of curiosity and connection. Whether through outreach, events, or our vision for the future, we are excited to continue growing and making a lasting impact on our community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities or skills have been the most impactful in my journey with Yavapai Exploration and Science.
1. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is accepting that I don’t know everything—and that’s okay. What matters is being willing to seek out knowledge and develop new skills to continually improve. At the beginning of my journey, I immersed myself in learning: reading a ridiculous number of books, listening to podcasts, attending free webinars, and even teaming up with a local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) coach. These resources were invaluable in helping me grow both personally and professionally. For those early in their journey, I’d advise leaning into curiosity and being open to learning from others, from experiences, and even from failures.
2. Building a strong network
None of this would have been possible without the incredible network of people who share YES!’s vision and mission. Surrounding yourself with a team that believes in your cause and has strengths that complement your own is critical. At YES!, our volunteer board members are all mothers in the community, each bringing unique perspectives and skills that make us stronger as a whole.
Beyond your immediate team, joining a networking group is a fantastic way to expand your circle and learn from others. Organizations like local Chamber of Commerce groups or a Business Networking International (BNI) chapter can open doors to invaluable connections and resources. My advice is to actively participate in these groups to find mentors, partners, and collaborators who can help you grow.
3. Putting yourself out there
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and putting myself out there. Many of the opportunities that have propelled YES! forward came from unexpected places simply because I was willing to share our story, ask questions, or explore new partnerships. My advice is to say yes to opportunities when they come your way and actively seek out ways to connect with others. You never know when a chance meeting or conversation will lead to something amazing.
For those starting out, remember that it’s okay to feel unsure. Focus on learning, building a strong support system, and being open to possibilities. With time, dedication, and a willingness to grow, you’ll find your footing and make an impact.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle we are currently facing at YES! is securing sufficient funding to continue expanding our programs and services. While we’ve had some success with grants and donations, the need for a permanent physical space is a major priority, and the costs involved in acquiring a building are significant.
To overcome this challenge, we’re focusing on several strategies. First, we’re actively pursuing additional grants and fundraising opportunities to support the purchase of a building and the growth of our programs. We’re also engaging our community by hosting events like the YES! Explorers Challenge to raise awareness and garner support. Additionally, we’re building strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations that share our mission, which can lead to sponsorships and collaborative funding opportunities.
Ultimately, we know that securing sustainable funding will take time and dedication, but we are committed to making YES! a lasting resource for our community. We’re continually seeking new ways to raise awareness and involve others in our cause so that we can ensure that our programs and impact continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yes-az.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yes_prescott/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558659397082
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yavapai-exploration-and-science-yes/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
