I help organizations promote social and environmental equity. Together, we strive to create a more just and sustainable world for all.

My Portfolio

Check out some examples of my work. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please let me know, and I will send you additional materials.

    • Leaned into a national event, redefining it to make it relevant and beneficial for the Santa Cruz community and stewardship organizations

    • Created and implemented first-time event, now SCMTS’s new flagship event

    • As event director, led all team meetings, implementing project management tools, staff and volunteer scheduling, goal and timeline setting, and had overall responsibility for the success of the event

    • Volunteers helped maintain and build trails at 19 project sites in one single day throughout Santa Cruz County, led by partner organizations, volunteers, and SCMTS (0 injuries)

    • 620 volunteers, 257 first-time volunteers

    • 26 partners, 5 first-time partners

    • Oversaw coordination of projects for each site, including distribution of equipment and materials, staffing, creation of a tool check-out system, site captain handbook, and training presentations

    • Recruited, trained, and coordinated 67 site captains

    • Organized an after-party at a centrally located park for over 600 guests, including catering, sales, a large raffle, live music, tabling organizations, and a volunteer ceremony

    • Event raised $67,000 in its first year

    Learn more here.

  • I oversee 150 events that serve over 1,000 community members annually.

    • Created and implemented SCMTS’s Objectives and Key Results process in 2021

    • Led bi-weekly team meetings to set objectives and key results together

    • Created various materials for implementation including the design of agendas, process presentations, and spreadsheets to track Objectives and Key Results

    • Emphasized and drove inclusion of all staff in the process, ensuring goals are relevant to entire organization

    See example here.

    • Managed sponsorship of:

      • 2016 - 2021 - Programs at SCMTS (see above)

      • 2016 - 2019 - Old Cabin Classic bike races

      • 2018 - 2019 - Old Growth Classic bike races

      • 2019 - Surf City CX bike race

      • 2019 - Trail Vision Awards

      • 2016 - 2021 - Community events such as movie screenings and lectures

        • Earned 1.5 million dollars for SCMTS

    • Designed and implemented various small and large-scale donor events. Two examples:

      • 2018 - Trailblazer Roundup: 200-person dinner and trail tours at a private home

        • Earned $185,000

      • 2019 - Fall Harvest: 60-person dinner with games and live music at a private home

        • Earned $153,000

    • Designed and developed various aspects of development department, including donor matrixes, membership launches, and outreach plans.

    • Designed and implemented first-ever photo and video contest set on trails in Santa Cruz County!

    • Oversaw budget, event project management tools, timelines, and goals

    • Recruited and coordinated panel of professional photographers and videographers to be judges

    • Implemented voting system where audience members could cast their votes via text

    • Designed and implemented a submission process, which received 250 submissions in its first year

    • Website design, creation, and management

    • Sponsorship planning, soliciting, and management

    • Recruited and trained 21 volunteers to assist with all aspects of the event, from sales to marketing

    • Oversaw printing and display of all photo submissions

    • Created a 2-hour presentation with every photo and video submission for the audience

    • Emceed the whole event! 3+ hours on stage!

    • Net income: $21,000

    Check it out here.

As a versatile generalist, I specialize in tailoring solutions to suit your unique needs and goals.

  • Community Engagement

    Let's collaborate on crafting a tailored strategy that not only meets your engagement objectives but also resonates authentically with and serves your community of interest.

  • Partnerships and Strategy

    Unlock the full potential of your organization by defining a clear vision that inspires your team and drives progress. Let's identify areas where vision is lacking and ensure all stakeholders are involved in the strategic planning process.

  • Marketing and Development

    Maximize your resources and streamline your processes with a comprehensive assessment of your current strategies. Together, we'll refine your approach to achieve optimal results.

  • Processes and Systems

    From implementing CRM systems to designing project templates and optimizing organizational structures, I thrive on creating efficiencies. No task is too big or small – let's embrace the power of organization and enhance your workflow.

Let's Get to Work

Meet Your Thought Partner

Hi, my name is Emma (she/her), and I’ve been in the nonprofit sector for the last decade, currently overseeing community engagement, events, and programs, at Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship. Previously, I wore the hats of development and marketing manager, and volunteer and events coordinator.

My bread and butter:

  • Creating fun, inclusive, and memorable experiences

  • Providing solutions and bringing fresh, new ideas to the table

  • Facilitating collaboration amongst key stakeholders

  • Simplifying, organizing, and strategizing

I have a background in collaborating with dozens of land agencies, nonprofits, schools, tech companies, small businesses, and outdoor brands in the Bay Area.

I have worked directly with people experiencing homelessness and incarceration, farmers, youth in alternative education, LGBTQIA+ communities, recreationists, engineers, teachers, CEOs, small business owners, retired community members, and thousands of volunteers from all walks of life.

I love meeting new people and finding commonalities and connections.

Why Me?

Here are some of the things that separate me from the bunch:

  • I’m a show pony/workhorse. I’ll set up the tables and chairs AND facilitate a breakout session with grace at your event (and love doing it).

  • I have relevant experience. As far as nonprofits go, I’ve done it all. You name it. Websites, social media, graphic design, outreach and marketing plans, project templates, public meeting coordination, objectives, and key results, grant writing, 2,500-person events, and so much more.

  • My brain = a balanced dynamic of logic and empathy. I’m a double-edged sword when balancing technical and creative skills. I follow Excel spreadsheet forums and nerd out on new formulas, and I am also the best in my field at developing people-first engagement strategies. I’m a generalist who can focus on specific projects to deliver exceptional results.

  • I bring positivity and fun. I’m solution-oriented, charismatic, and known to energize the people around me.

How I Work

I’m incredibly efficient and skilled at what I do. We can talk on the phone, email, and meet for coffee as often as you’d like, yet I’m capable and prepared to take the lead.

“You get to choose what part of someone’s day you want to be.” - Alexi Pappas, professional runner and poet

I’ve lived by this quote ever since I heard it. I look forward to being a positive and fun part of your day while we work together.

You can leave the work to me or collaborate throughout the project — we’ll discuss how you’d like to work together in our initial call.