Alana Guth, MBA
Alana Guth, MBA, is a strategic operations and development professional with a passion for turning complex challenges into streamlined, people-centered solutions. With over nine years of experience in higher education and nonprofit organizations, she has built a reputation for her ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and foster environments where both individuals and initiatives thrive. Alana combines executive support, development operations, process innovation, and program management to drive meaningful results, ensuring leaders can focus on strategy while operations run seamlessly.
Throughout her career, Alana has managed donor portfolios, overseen institutional mergers, and executed large-scale virtual conferences, consistently delivering measurable impact. Highlights include sustaining engagement with over 75 donors during organizational transitions, supporting the cultivation of six-figure gifts, increasing conference attendance by 300%, and securing foundation grants through collaborative efforts. She is known for her unique ability to connect with people at all levels, creating spaces where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.
Alana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Antioch College and an MBA from Mills College. Outside of her professional life, she is an avid reader and enjoys audiobooks, spending quality time with her husband and their three pets, and supporting social justice initiatives. Alana continues to give back to her alma mater and mission-driven organizations, reflecting her belief that the best systems and operations are rooted in empathy, human connection, and shared purpose.
• Google Sites Essential Training
• Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, and Text
• Positive Psychology for Less Stress and Happier Workdays
• Outlook on the web Essential Training
• SharePoint Online Essential Training: The Basics
• Mills College - MBA
• Net Impact Plant-Based Food Fellowship
• Stocking Homeowners Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the education I received at Antioch College, which provided a strong foundation for both critical thinking and real-world application. I am naturally curious and practice active listening, which allows me to engage deeply with others and learn continuously. I also make it a point to ask thoughtful questions, as I believe inquiry is essential to growth and meaningful collaboration.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to generously share your knowledge and experiences—mentorship and collaboration are invaluable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how small they may seem, as curiosity drives growth. And most importantly, push through challenges with resilience; it’s often on the other side of those obstacles that the most meaningful opportunities and learning experiences await.
Locations
Higher Education
Oakland, CA 94601