Her Story
About Krista
Krista Barezinsky is a nonprofit professional with over 10 years of experience focused on community impact and development. She began her career in sponsorship and experiential marketing before transitioning to higher education, working at Ohio State University and later at NC State University in corporate and foundation fundraising for approximately two and a half years, where she supported students and workforce development initiatives. Krista currently works at the Arthritis Foundation in special event fundraising, engaging healthcare partners, community partners, corporate partners, and families to spread awareness about arthritis affecting both adults and children. She has earned a women leaders certification and an organizational change and development certification through UNC Wilmington. Krista is an active member of the Triangle Organization Development Network and has previously been involved with the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. She attributes her success to following her intuition, guided by mentors and her mother, and emphasizes values such as reliability, transparency, communication, directness, and integrity in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Krista
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think always following my intuition, and I've learned how to do that through previous mentors, and my mom, very specifically. Her and I are very similar, and so she's always been my biggest advocate and a huge supporter as far as emotional intelligence goes, and understanding yourself, and kind of what drives you and motivates you. So, yeah, I mean, I think what it boils down to is my mom and other women leaders.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take time getting to know yourself. Entrust what you find in that. Follow your intuition, and look for outside guidance if needed. Pay attention to how you feel. If you're having conversations with people, and if you feel that calm and clear-headedness then that maybe it was a good sign to continue down that path, but if it feels confusing, maybe spend a little bit more time to dissect what that means.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think lack of resources is always a big one in non-profit. That includes having minimal staff, sometimes relying on volunteers who have lives of their own. Competing priorities with corporate partners and healthcare partners. Raleigh is a big city with lots of non-profits. The storytelling aspect and making sure that you're doing that justice and sharing the stories of other people to try to get the support can be challenging sometimes.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being reliable and available to me. Transparency, communication, and directness. I really appreciate directness. Integrity. So, I think those are probably my top.
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