Elise Roberts – Fund Development
Where are you from?: I’m from Edmonds, Washington.
What were you doing before you came to ECOSS?: I ventured down to Southern California and studied theatre and dance at Chapman University before coming back to the Northwest to complete degrees in Environmental Education and Environmental Policy at Huxley College of the Environment at Western, during which I was actively involved with many local nonprofits, political campaigns, and activism. After graduating, I worked for various arts and social justice nonprofits organizing events and immediately prior, I held the position of Environmental Regulatory and Permitting Specialist at HDR Engineering.
What do you do day-to-day at work?: I make sure we’re up-to-date on all our social networks, work with our database, research giving trends, write lots of letters, articles and other updates for aforementioned social networks and other communications with donors and supporters…and depending on what time of the year it is, I also can be found running around like a crazy woman organizing our events!
What has been your favorite/most rewarding project to work on at ECOSS?: I loved seeing the response we received after our guests saw our fundraising video at the 2009 Annual Benefit at Herban Feast. I was literally sitting in the back with my jaw open, trying to decide whether to cheer or cry when I saw all those bid cards raised in support of the organization. I was inspired by the generosity of our wonderful community.
If you could change one thing about Seattle, what would it be?: I could use longer, hotter summers so I have more time to play outside.
Favorite spot in South Park?: The taco truck!
What do you like to do outside the office?: It depends on the season – I love snowboarding in the winter and camping, hiking, kayaking and gardening in the warmer months –and yoga year round! I also am learning how to play the fiddle and recently took up sewing.
Biggest goal for 2010?: Personally, I would like to strengthen my yoga practice and bike to work more. I also plan on going to South America next winter in protest of Seattle’s weather. Professionally, I want to continue growing our social networks and organize more fun events for our supporters and the South Park community.