Kelsy Medrano
Garden Grove
Summary
Mission-aligned philanthropy and social impact professional with 7+ years of experience in donor engagement, campaign strategy, and relationship-based fundraising. Recognized for raising $500K+ annually through personalized stewardship, multi-channel campaigns, and data-informed portfolio management. Brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence, storytelling expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to deepen trust and drive community-centered growth.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Development
Children's Hospital of Orange County
02.2024 - Current
- Manage and grow a portfolio of 150+ mid-level donors, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts totaling $500K+ annually
- Develop strategic engagement journeys that align donor values with CHOC's mission, increasing retention and donor upgrades
- Partner across departments (Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Stewardship, Events) to implement cross-channel campaigns and integrated engagement experiences
- Lead personalized outreach via calls, letters, and donor reports, ensuring tailored impact messaging and long-term loyalty
- Analyze donor data and giving trends to inform portfolio strategy and identify high-potential upgrade candidates
- Oversee stewardship reporting, donor recognition initiatives, and behind-the-scenes opportunities to reinforce transparency and trust
Development Associate, College of Business
California State University, Long Beach
2023 - 2024
- Solicited gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, contributing toward a $100K annual fundraising goal
- Produced donor proposals, impact reports, and digital collateral tailored to leadership-level prospects
- Designed and implemented targeted giving campaigns for the College of Business; leveraged segmentation to increase donor engagement
- Managed scholarship communications and donor relations in collaboration with COB liaison
- Coordinated donor visits, board meetings, and cultivation events; ensured seamless logistics and strategic follow-up
Interim Special Events Manager
Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire
2022 - 2023
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Directed all aspects of major fundraising events, leading guest experience strategy and live/silent auction operations
- Oversaw staff and volunteer coordination for high-profile event execution
- Implemented new logistical and marketing workflows that increased event ROI and donor participation
Development Coordinator
Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire
2021 - 2022
- Managed peer-to-peer and youth engagement fundraising programs, raising $156K in FY23 through strategic program oversight
- Developed funding proposals, evaluated campaign impact, and advised on improvements to training and engagement initiatives
- Supported live fundraising events with budget planning, donor experience design, and relationship development
Attractions Host & Trainer
The Walt Disney Company
2017 - 2022
- Delivered exceptional Guest service while operating high-capacity attractions in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.
- Facilitated comprehensive training for new Cast Members, promoting service excellence and adherence to Disney's brand standards.
- Developed and led team-building exercises to foster morale, collaboration, and strong communication across multiple shifts of the operation.
- Completed Disney University training, including Guest Safety, Traditions, and Advanced Customer Service courses.
- Performed daily safety audits, ensured operational excellence, and resolved Guest concerns with empathy and efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE05-2020
Associate of Arts - Marketing
Cypress College
Cypress, CA05-2019
Skills
- Donor Engagement & Stewardship
- Campaign Strategy (Direct Mail & Digital)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Stakeholder Communications
- Data Analysis & Prospect Research
- Mid-Level to Major Gift Strategy
- Program & Event Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- CRM Platforms: Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Advance
- Software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, GiveSmart, SharePoint, Asana, Canva
- Fluent in Spanish
Timeline
Associate Director of Development
Children's Hospital of Orange County
02.2024 - Current
Development Associate, College of Business
California State University, Long Beach
2023 - 2024
Interim Special Events Manager
Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire
2022 - 2023
Development Coordinator
Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire
2021 - 2022
Attractions Host & Trainer
The Walt Disney Company
2017 - 2022
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Wilmington University
Associate of Arts - Marketing
Cypress College
Similar Profiles
ZELE X OKOEGWALEZELE X OKOEGWALE
Direct Service Professional at Children's Hospital of Orange CountyDirect Service Professional at Children's Hospital of Orange County
Melyssa NunezMelyssa Nunez
Nursing Supervisor at Children's Hospital of Orange CountyNursing Supervisor at Children's Hospital of Orange County
Monica CastilloMonica Castillo
Surgical Technologist at Children's Hospital of Orange CountySurgical Technologist at Children's Hospital of Orange County
Valentino VillaValentino Villa
Graphic Designer and Photographer at StudentGraphic Designer and Photographer at Student
MARCO ALDAYMARCO ALDAY
EMT at Premier AmbulanceEMT at Premier Ambulance