Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Hi, I’m

Kelsy Medrano

Garden Grove,CA

Summary

Motivated self-starter development professional who has successfully managed and created large scale events, fundraising programs, donor outreach strategies and marketing campaigns. Driven ambitious leader inspired everyday by raising capital to helping others be the best version of themselves.

Overview

7
years of professional experience

Work History

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

Development Associate
08.2023 - 08.2024

Job overview

  • Successfully administered government-supported community development programs, showcasing expertise in program management and promotion of department services.
  • Strived to achieve outstanding fundraising results in the Annual Giving sector, cultivating and managing a donor portfolio to secure annual leadership and major gifts from individuals, private foundations, and corporate entities, consistently working towards a $100,000 annual target.
  • Designing and executing targeted annual giving campaigns, specifically tailored to the College of Business (COB), demonstrating creativity and a keen understanding of donor engagement.
  • Collaborated closely with the COB scholarship liaison to oversee scholarship process and maintain strong donor relations. Crafted compelling materials to support fundraising efforts.
  • Effective leader by managing and supervising student assistant(s) and/or student intern(s) with a focus on achieving departmental goals.

Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire
Irvine, CA

Development Coordinator & Interim Events Manager
04.2021 - 07.2023

Job overview

Development Coordinator

Responsible for raising $156,000 by 8/2023 through managing assigned portfolios, programs & events.
Effectively develop a budget and operating plan, evaluate program strengths and areas for improvement, write funding proposals, & manage a diverse team.
Successful subject matter expert in youth engagement programs (K4WK & WMOC) & managed all peer-to-peer fundraising. Evaluated the success of training programs & recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
Successfully managed logistics for special event fundraising events, including coordination with guests, silent and live auction management, and ensuring guest experience to have raised over $710,000 at events this year.

Interim Special Events Manager

  • Managed budgets effectively, optimizing allocation of resources to maximize event impact.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to attendees, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Streamlined event operations for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness through comprehensive logistical management.
  • Led planning and execution of key fundraising events, successfully managing logistics and coordination with guests, silent and live auction management, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
  • Oversaw diverse team of volunteers and staff, fostering collaborative and efficient working environment.
  • Enhanced event marketing strategies, resulting in increased attendance and donor engagement.

The Disneyland Resort & Parks
Anaheim, CA

Cast Member
08.2017 - 04.2022

Job overview

Special Events Manager
Events & Sales / Donor Relations
• Lead a team of 75+ event professionals in the planning and execution of weddings, corporate events, and private parties, ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction and repeat business.
• Conceptualize and execute creative event designs, consistently exceeding client expectations and earning rave reviews. Manage large budgets, consistently delivering events within or under budget. Collaborate with vendors, including florists, caterers, entertainers, and decorators, to create seamless and memorable experiences.
• Ensure strict adherence to Disney's quality and safety standards, providing guests with a secure and magical experience.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and analysis to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Assistant Special Events Manager
Events & Sales / Donor Relations
• Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking and event promotions. Supported the Special Events Manager in managing event budgets, contracts, and timelines.
• Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of a wide variety of events, honing skills in logistics, vendor coordination, and guest relations.
• Hired and cross-trained staff members for various event-specific functions and assessed employees' understanding of associated processes and procedures.

Area Lead & Trainer
Sales / Donor Relations
• Effectively managed a group of Attraction System Support, including setting and executing the vision for the team. Developed corrective action plans and prevention strategies to improve product reliability.
• Followed & trained an attraction operating system to ensure guest safety and satisfaction throughout their attraction experience. Provided exceptional customer service through open-ended and engaging questions to ensure the customers received a quality experience.
• Documented periodic daily audits of the facility to guarantee that all criteria were complied with for guest safety and satisfaction. Attended Disney University's Customer Service courses, which included Basic Customer Service, Disney Traditions, and Guest Safety.

CSG Consultants

Development Review Technician

Job overview

  • Developed corrective action plans and prevention strategies to improve product reliability. Successfully reviewed plans, edited and formatted transmittals, and provided comments to clients according to specific protocols.
  • Wrote comprehensive user manuals for new products and additional technical documentation.
  • Researched and identified best-fit materials for new products and traveled to manufacturing facilities to evaluate and improve procedures.
  • Negotiated pricing, services, and scheduled shipping windows with vendors and manufacturers.

Education

Wilmington University
, New Castle, DE

Bachelor of Arts from Business Administration & Management
2023

Cypress College
, Cypress, CA

Associate of Arts from Marketing
2019

Skills

  • Strong Leadership Skills
  • Remote Employee Training
  • Cross-functional team management
  • Grants Management
  • Program Management
  • Donor Management
  • Public Relations
  • Fluent Spanish Speaker
  • Campaign Management
  • Event Management & Oversight
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Microsoft Suite/SharePoint
  • Data Analysis
  • CRM Expert: Salesforce/ Advanced/ Raiser's Edge
  • AES Software Expert
  • Photography/Adobe Creative

Additional Information

Creativity

Skilled photographer with experience in all photography settings. Find joy and piece in capturing moments and memories for friends, family, and clients.

Helping Others

Working & volunteering in the nonprofit section to fuel my desire and passion to help others become the best version of themselves.

Kelsy Medrano