Her Story
About Makayla
Makayla Pearce serves as office manager for Golden Gate Bird Alliance in Berkeley, California. She entered the nonprofit space in 2024 after working as a tutor and as an office associate on a Jewish farm nonprofit. In her current role, she manages front office operations, greets guests, handles accounting and human resources tasks informally, and assists with donor relations. Pearce earned a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA. She is a certified project manager, a certified yoga instructor, and holds a certification from Cornell University for the financial success of nonprofits. Her notable achievements include delivering a TED Talk in 2016 on confidence, insecurities, and self-love, as well as publishing an NPR perspective on natural hair. She previously volunteered with the Mosaic Project. Pearce attributes her success to mentors who supported her path and advises young women to focus on their passions and pursue what seems impossible. She values professionalism, efficiency, honesty, accountability, authenticity, respect, collaboration, and being a decent person. In the nonprofit field, she notes challenges with securing funds but sees opportunities in building connections and partnerships. Her goals include advancing into a leadership position to influence organizational decisions and policies while working cross-functionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Makayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say the people, the adults in my life, or the people who are older than me who have mentored me and supported me. They paved the path for me by telling me or helping me to pursue what I want to pursue and do what I would like to do.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Focus on what you really care about, what you're really passionate about, and pursue that regardless of what anyone else says. And go after what you think is impossible, because if you want it, it is possible for you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Nonprofits are generally looking for funds, which can be difficult because we care about our mission and supporting the community. On the opportunities side, people care passionately which leads to great connections, relationships, partnerships and collaborations.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Professionalism is really important to me. Efficiency, honesty and accountability, authenticity, respect, collaboration, and being a decent person.
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