Kelsey Camarena
Kelsey Camarena is a nonprofit leader deeply committed to addressing root-cause issues and removing systemic barriers for families. As UWGT’s chief philanthropy officer, she leads fundraising efforts by cultivating relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations. Her tailored fundraising strategies focus on revenue diversification, helping the organization secure the resources needed to drive lasting community impact. In her role at UWGT, Kelsey is dedicated to connecting people and organizations to causes they care about, ensuring that every supporter understands the significance of their contributions in creating positive change throughout the Greater Triangle area.
Originally from Galax, Virginia, Kelsey earned her undergraduate degree from Roanoke College and Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University. Her personal values of justice and equity guide her work. She believes in the power of community and strives to create spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, cooking, and exploring new culinary experiences. She shares her life with her 11-year-old dog, Luna.
What Drew Me to UWGT?
I possess an authentic, 10-toes-down approach to supporting equity, with a fierce commitment to opening doors and helping to amplify the work and impact of so many nonprofit organizations. My drive is tied not only to philanthropy, but to the broader aim of solving the communities’ most complex issues. I aspire to create deliberate donor engagement opportunities uniquely aligned with people’s passions. With a background and expertise built on working for several United Ways, I jumped at the chance to make a difference at UWGT.
Top 5 Strengths, per the CliftonStrengths Assessment:
- Developer — Committed to recognizing and cultivating the potential in others
- Input — Possessing a need to collect and archive information, ideas, etc.
- Intellection — Introspective and appreciative of intellectual discussions
- Arranger — Interested in determining how pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity
- Includer — Demonstrated awareness of those who feel left out and a desire to make an effort to include them