As a manager with the Consulting practice at NFF, Mariesa (pronounced Ma-ree-sa; she/her) serves as a thought partner and collaborator with nonprofit leaders as they continue doing their vital work in the community. With deep experience in the nonprofit sector, Mariesa brings a firsthand understanding of the joys and realities of frontline, mission-driven work. Through consulting, Mariesa develops relationships rooted in trust and empathy and works alongside leaders to help them answer their most pressing financial management questions.
Prior to joining NFF, Mariesa was the Director of the Volunteer Program at a creative writing and tutoring organization, where she led a team to reach out to, train, engage, and manage a cohort of more than 1,100 active volunteers each year. She also worked for a local public affairs firm, where she led outreach efforts and coordinated media campaigns for an arts education program in Southern California. Mariesa earned her bachelors degree in Political Science and Philosophy at Santa Clara University.