Her Story
About Elisa
Elisa Garcia serves as Operations and Administration Manager at Eddy House, a youth homeless shelter in Reno, Nevada. She oversees daily operations support, payroll, grant reporting, fundraising and donor events, HR functions including recruitment and onboarding, training and development, compliance, and company culture activities. Elisa began her nonprofit career five years and seven months ago as a youth advocate and has advanced within the organization. She also holds the position of City of Reno Poet Laureate, announced in January of this year, integrating her administrative expertise with community-focused poetry and arts initiatives. Her notable achievement includes a nomination for the HR Rising All-Star award through SHRM Northern Nevada. Elisa attributes her success to dedication, determination, and resilience, and she emphasizes values of kindness, collaboration, creativity, and inclusion in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to dedication, determination, and resilience. It took a lot to get into my career both professionally with poetry and as a manager. When I first started poetry I was not good, incredibly nervous, dropped my poem, stuttered, but I kept going back. I am passionate about helping my community which helps me take care of my employees and the community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to always have good relationships with your employees and employers because they will remember your kindness and pay it forward. An old boss brought lunch for my staff showing that kindness is remembered.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to ask for help. I was stubborn about that when I first started and knowing I don't know everything and asking experts has helped tremendously. Being brave enough to ask for help allows you to move forward without fear of failure.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the nonprofit world budget can be challenging. Saying no to some things can be challenging as it leads to burnout but I am getting better at it. I have more of a grasp on it now.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness is most important - always be kind but not just nice, show respect to everyone. Collaboration is huge because we work with community and colleagues. Creativity is key especially as a poet. Inclusion is important making sure everyone feels included.
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