Tell us about yourself and what you do.
Ten years ago I co-founded my company, DonationMatch, to help generous businesses streamline their handling of in-kind donation requests, while also giving nonprofit organizations simplified access to potential fundraising auction donors in one place. Seeing the connections and partnerships that arise from our platform has been very rewarding.
How long have you been involved with SDAMA?
I first learned about the SDAMA through attending the 2013 Cause Conference and promptly joined the planning committee the next year.
What is your favorite aspect of being a part of the SDAMA community?
Marketing is a very large, ever-changing industry, and SDAMA events, along with National AMA e-newsletters, help me stay on top of trends, innovation, and considerations of the many channels. Networking with local professionals and learning from them through SDAMA’s Special Interest Groups (SIG) has been beneficial, and I like being able to turn to them for support or questions.
What SDAMA volunteer projects have you been involved with?
I’ve focused my SDAMA volunteering on the Cause Conference since 2014.
Tell us about your latest volunteer project?
The 2020 Cause Conference is going virtual this year, which means we’ve been able to expand our network of speakers and expertise, as well as attendees, beyond those who could easily travel to San Diego. There are still surprisingly few events nationwide that focus on cause marketing and cause partnerships, and we’re looking forward to bringing together more mission-driven companies and causes than ever online.
What would you say to those thinking about getting involved with SDAMA?
The leaders and fellow volunteers I’ve met at the SDAMA are so passionate about what they do in the marketing industry, and this rolls over into their willingness to share their expertise with fellow members and their volunteering roles. Whether you want to learn more from others by volunteering or simply meet like-minded people, the SDAMA has been a great resource to me, and I’ve made personal friends as well as business partners through it.
When you are not busy being an awesome volunteer with SDAMA, what are some of your other interests?
I’ve expanded my patio gardening to include herbs, lettuces, tomatoes, succulents, and a plumeria tree. Just Dance (via my son’s XBox) has been a fun way to stay active and forget I’m exercising. Along with my son, I learned how to fish off the coast this Summer, and I’m looking forward to learning how to do abstract painting this Fall. As you can tell, I enjoy learning new skills and new perspectives.
