Teka Gabaldon
Carpinteria,CA
Summary
Dynamic nonprofit leader and administrator skilled in operational management, team leadership, and strategic donor relations. Proven track record in streamlining behind-the-scenes workflows, scaling community outreach, and securing grant funding. Combines deep, firsthand knowledge of nonprofit operations with strong team-coaching skills to optimize user experiences and support organizational growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate | Marketing Assistant
Domecil
Santa Barbara
10.2023 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a high-end retail environment while ensuring product quality control.
- Supported marketing initiatives by creating newsletters, editing content, and planning social media strategies.
- Developed and maintained marketing calendars aligned with product launches and events.
- Coordinated product photography timelines and organized digital assets within Google Drive.
- Acted as liaison between leadership and store operations to enhance communication and workflow efficiency.
Executive Assistant | Coordinator
Firework Foundation (501c3)
Santa Barbara, CA
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Coordinated logistics and vendor communications for annual fundraisers, executing high-profile events successfully.
- Managed donor engagement processes using multiple CRM systems, facilitating event ticket sales and quarterly newsletters.
- Organized youth-focused programs and multi-day camps, overseeing logistics, volunteer teams, and safety protocols.
- Assisted the executive director with scheduling, donor communications, and confidential information management.
- Acted as a liaison with board members, vendors, and contracted staff to ensure smooth operations of events and projects.
Coordinator | Assistant
Westmont College (501c3)
Montecito, CA
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Coordinated large-scale events for 800-1,000 participants, managing logistics and cross-departmental communication.
- Managed guest speakers by booking travel, processing honorariums, and ensuring smooth presentations.
- Supervised student workers, providing training and oversight for successful event execution.
- Leveraged Salesforce CRM to track participation, analyze engagement, and generate outreach reports.
- Assisted with daily operations by handling inquiries and organizing files for program efficiency.
- Enhanced event management and program coordination within the nonprofit higher education sector.
Nanny | Household Manager
Personal Family
Santa Barbara, CA
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Fostered positive learning, affirmation, and emotional growth for multiple children through creative activities and individualized support.
- Coordinated schedules to optimize daily routines, appointments, and household needs for seamless family operations.
- Facilitated family transition as both parents returned to work, ensuring stability and smooth daily routines.
- Upheld confidentiality and trust while swiftly adapting to evolving family needs.
Child Care Coordinator
Channel Islands YMCA (501c3)
Santa Barbara, CA
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Delivered high-quality childcare programming to diverse families, fostering inclusive community connections.
- Designed and led group activities to promote social-emotional and communication development.
- Ensured program compliance by meticulously recording safety procedures and engaging families in program activities.
- Gained experience in nonprofit operations within a large-scale, mission-driven organization.
Outreach Lead | Executive Assistant | Grant Writer
Surfing The Nations (501c3)
Wahiawa, HI
09.2014 - 05.2019
- Directed and developed an outreach program for at-risk youth, offering mentorship and skill-building opportunities for ages five to eighteen.
- Planned and executed community outreach programs serving over 400 individuals weekly while coordinating volunteers and logistics.
- Recruited and managed volunteers and staff, fostering a collaborative culture that promoted growth.
- Independently raised full-time salary support over five years through strategic donor engagement.
- Wrote and secured 6 grants totaling $25,000, establishing key funding streams while deepening donor and funder relationships.
- Oversaw international service trips, managing communication, fundraising, and all travel logistics.
- Developed budgets and managed profit-and-loss statements across multiple departments to ensure fiscal accountability.
Education
High School Diploma -
Dos Pueblos High School
Goleta, CA06-2012
Some College (No Degree) - Global Health, Family And Human Development
Arizona State University
Skills
- Event Planning & Execution - Coordinated annual fundraisers, weekly large-scale events with 1,000 attendees, and community programs serving 500 participants
- Fundraising & Donor Relations - Wrote and secured grants, cultivated long-term donor support, and managed multiple CRM systems to strengthen engagement
- Management - Recruited, trained, and supervised staff and volunteers
- Budgeting & Fiscal Oversight - Managed event budgets, vendor contracts, and nonprofit accounts payable/receivable
- Community Outreach & Partnerships - Built relationships with local leaders, partners, and organizations to increase community impact
- Technical skills - Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, DocuSign; CRM platforms including Salesforce, Bloomerang, Donately, GiveSmart, Network for Good
- Public speaking - Developed and presented trainings, delivered workshops, and created donor/community newsletters
Certification
Haz-Comm, Fire Safety, CPR/First Aid
VOLUNTEER WORK
- PATH Homelessness Initiative, Santa Barbara- Meal Service Volunteer, Prepared and served meals to unhoused community members, supporting PATH's mission to provide dignity and stability.
- Turner Foundation, Santa Barbara - Elementary Tutor, Provided individualized academic support and encouragement to elementary-aged students, fostering confidence and positive learning habits.
- Immigration Hope, Santa Barbara - Administrative Volunteer, Assisted with creating newsletters, organization, and light graphic design to support Immigration Hope's mission to helping families navigating the immigration processes.
- Hawaii Food Bank, Oahu, HI - Donation Organizer, Coordinated food donations and organized supplies to ensure efficient distribution to families in need.
Timeline
Sales Associate | Marketing Assistant
Domecil
10.2023 - Current
Executive Assistant | Coordinator
Firework Foundation (501c3)
08.2023 - 06.2025
Coordinator | Assistant
Westmont College (501c3)
01.2022 - 07.2023
Nanny | Household Manager
Personal Family
01.2021 - 12.2022
Child Care Coordinator
Channel Islands YMCA (501c3)
09.2019 - 03.2020
Outreach Lead | Executive Assistant | Grant Writer
Surfing The Nations (501c3)
09.2014 - 05.2019
High School Diploma -
Dos Pueblos High School
Some College (No Degree) - Global Health, Family And Human Development
Arizona State University