Her Story
About Angelia
Angelia Vierra serves as a Development Manager in the nonprofit field, representing Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 15 years of experience that began during her education through internships and volunteering, she specializes in development, fundraising, sponsorship, and events. Her most recent role involved managing sponsorship programs that brought in close to 2 million dollars annually and overseeing large-scale events, including one with over a million volunteers for a 9-11 commemoration. She earned a Master's in Nonprofit Leadership and Management through ASU and holds the CNP credential as a Nonprofit Professional. Vierra attributes her success to the unwavering support of her mother, who helped her overcome challenges with dyslexia and encouraged her pursuit of higher education. She values authenticity, kindness, and genuine passion for the mission in her work, and she advises young professionals to seek internships, fellowships, mentorships, and involvement with organizations like the Utah Nonprofit Association. Her career advice emphasizes continuous education, certifications such as grant writing, and staying current with tools like AI in the evolving nonprofit landscape.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angelia
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my mother who has always been there for me, cheering me on and supporting me through my struggles with dyslexia. She helped me get the help I needed in school, pushed me to pursue my bachelor's and then my master's, even when I never imagined going to college as a kid. Without her constant support, I wouldn't have achieved what I have.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My most recent manager Steve taught me to always continue striving for education, certifications, classes like grant writing, and to stay up to date with what's new in the field, including how to use AI for your position. He emphasized keeping yourself current because things are always changing and the nonprofit field is no different - we have to grow and adapt as well.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take as many opportunities as you can to learn through internships, fellowships, and mentorships because it's so helpful to learn from people in the industry. Get involved with organizations like the Utah Nonprofit Association to help further your career quicker, as I felt a little lost without a clear path when I first started and wish I had those opportunities sooner.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are getting enough volunteer assistance for activities or campaigns and securing funding, which is affected by the economy. Each organization is in a different situation but funding and volunteers are usually the main two issues across the board.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity and being a genuine, kind person makes a big difference, especially in the nonprofit field. Being passionate about the mission is just as important because it gets people excited about wanting to be involved when you're passionate about what you do.
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