They say it's lonely at the top - but have you ever tried leading from the middle? Do you often find yourself managing up and below? Does it feel like you have no one to talk to?
Fear not - our panel of middle leadership experts will share their tips and tricks for managing up and down your organization, how to get ahead without getting in trouble, and being a support system to those who are still finding their nonprofit wings.
Moderator: Anya Delacruz, Associate Executive Director, Elderhelp
Meet the Panelists:
Kimberly Castillo, Food Procurement Supervisor, San Diego Food Bank
Kimberly is the Food Procurement Supervisor for the San Diego Food Bank, working as the primary point person for all food donations to the food bank, including food drives, corporate food donations, and the Food Rescue program.
An alumna of the University of California, San Diego, Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies. Directly after her studies, Kimberly joined AmeriCorps as a means of serving San Diego's vulnerable populations. After having served a year in working with the local refugee population, Kimberly transitioned to a job that could still help the City Heights region but from more of a food security standpoint. Before her current position, Kimberly used her personal time to advocate for and better understand diverse populations, particularly those considered to be most socially vulnerable; she works to find the strengths in commonly-overlooked populations and urges society to become more welcoming and understanding. In her free time Kimberly enjoys boxing, cooking, and exploring San Diego’s wonderful eateries and drinkeries.
Kevin Lohmann, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Volunteers of America
Kristen Mihalko, Senior Manager, Programs and Special Events, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership
Kristen Mihalko has worked in the non-profit sector for 8 years mainly in program development and coordination. As an advocate for career development and personal growth, she volunteers her time as the Treasurer for YNPN San Diego and Rising Arts Leaders San Diego. She is currently earning a certificate in Arts and Culture Leadership at the University of San Diego.
Kristen is the Senior Manager of Programs and Special Events for the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in Family Resources with a certificate in Women’s Studies and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from National University.
Anya Delacruz, Associate Executive Director of ElderHelp
Anya Delacruz has her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Central Connecticut State University. Anya has over 15 years of experience working with the older adult population, and over 13 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. Anya joined ElderHelp in 2008 as an Intake Specialist providing resources and information to older adults, their families, and the community. Throughout her time at ElderHelp, Anya took on a variety of roles that include providing direct services to clients, supervising staff and managing programs, and conducting marketing and outreach activities.
In 2014, Anya became the Associate Executive Director where she oversees the organization's day-to-day operations, is responsible for developing and overseeing programs and services, and works to develop relationship s and partnership that advance the organization's mission. Anya is a member of the Fieldstone Leadership Network and has been on YNPN's programming committee for over 3 years.
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