Cierra de Gruyter
Bend,OR
Summary
Visionary leader with 12+ years of executive experience founding and scaling Next Level Burger, a mission-driven business rooted in sustainability and wellness. Brings 6+ years of youth mentorship and regional program leadership through Girl Scouts. Deep commitment to student development, community-building, and experiential learning. Known for combining strategic thinking with compassionate leadership to create inclusive, student-centered environments. Current parent and volunteer at Cascades Academy with a firsthand understanding of the school’s mission, values, and culture.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Visionary Officer & Co-Founder
Next Level Burger
08.2013 - Current
- Co-founded and scaled the nation’s first 100% plant-based burger chain, growing from a single location to 25+ nationwide.
- Defined and cultivated a mission-driven brand rooted in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
- Led organizational culture development and internal mentorship programs to empower leadership at all levels.
- Spearheaded company-wide initiatives spanning menu innovation, technology adoption, and hospitality training.
- Oversaw cross-functional operations, internal communications, strategic planning, and alignment around core values.
Regional Volunteer Manager & Troop Leader
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
09.2018 - Current
- Region Girl Experience Mentor tasked with providing regional Girl Scout programming and volunteer mentorship, 2024-present.
- Founder and Executive Manager of annual Girl Scout camporee which hosts 200 girl and adult attendees from around the state of Oregon, 2022-present.
- Regional Volunteer Leadership team, 2019-present. Grew the regional membership by approximately 30% in my first year as Service Unit Manager.
- Troop Leader, 2018-present. Mentored, traveled, and deepened relationships with these girls from Kindergarten to seventh grade. Fostered inclusivity by welcoming new girls into the troop each year.
Community Volunteer
Cascades Academy
09.2018 - Current
- Family Association Co-Chair, 2019-2020 school year
- Organizer of the school-wide Scholastic Book Fair, 2019
- 4th/5th grade Traveling School chaperone, 2019
- Parents Association Class Rep, 2018-2019
- Lower School DD Ranch field trip chaperone, 2018
- Weekly lunch volunteer, 2018-2019
Education
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) -
Western Governors University
Millcreek, UT01-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO01-2009
Skills
- Youth Mentorship & SEL Programming
- Inclusive Community-Building
- Strategic Planning & Vision Execution
- Event & Retreat Coordination
- Public Speaking & Communication
- Cross-Team Collaboration
- Program Design & Evaluation
- Department management
- Motivation and encouragement
- Volunteer retention
- Relationship building
- Diversity and inclusion
Accomplishments
Appreciation Pin, 2024
This award recognizes an adult member who delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, service unit or program delivery audience.
The service goes beyond the expectations for the position.
Guiding Star Award, 2023
"This award recognizes a volunteer who reaches beyond their primary role and provides continuing support to other volunteer(s) or Girl Scouts. This leader inspires those around them and is a guiding example of an ideal Girl Scout volunteer."
Professional Development
- SEL for Students: A Path to Social Emotional Well-Being, University of Colorado Boulder, 2025
- Core Academic Skills for Educators: Total (Reading, Mathematics, Writing), Praxis, 2023
Certification
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 06/28/24
- Wilderness First Aid Certification, NOLS Wilderness Medicine, 04/18/24
Additional Information
- Passionate advocate for experiential learning and youth voice
- Familiar with restorative practices and advisory-style programming
- Well connected with local youth and environmental agencies
- Committed to diversity, equity, and belonging in all environments
Timeline
Regional Volunteer Manager & Troop Leader
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
09.2018 - Current
Community Volunteer
Cascades Academy
09.2018 - Current
Chief Visionary Officer & Co-Founder
Next Level Burger
08.2013 - Current
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) -
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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