Reflecting on the Experience ..."I look forward to this new challenge of raising money for our new building, and I think I have the tools and skills available to move forward."
- Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez
|
"By sharing the wealth of the grant, staff experienced and participated in fund raising courses relevant to a capital campaign, major gift development and interpersonal communication skills. As a team, we all very much evolved in our knowledge of fund raising principles and techniques needed to take Valle del Sol to a new level."
- Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez, President and CEO, Valle del Sol
Fellow Biography
Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez is president and CEO of Valle del Sol, Inc., a community organization that provides a variety of behavioral health, social services and Latino leadership development to the community. She has led Valle del Sol since 1995, and during the last decade the agency has increased annual revenues from $3 million to $10 million and gone from 56 employees to more than 170. Ms. Sarmina-Gutierrez holds a Master of Science degree in social work from Arizona State University.
Field Notes
"With the goal to learn as much as possible about fund raising in preparation for a capital campaign, I attended The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, The Fund Raising School. I participated in five courses over an eight-month period about the basics of fund raising, planned giving, interpersonal relationships, major gifts and capital campaigns. Upon completion, I received the school’s Certificate in Fund Raising.
"I have come to understand that to conduct a capital campaign is a completely transforming experience for the organization, from the Board of Directors to the consumers we serve, and to all of the staff. We will all be involved in being ambassadors for the organization in a focused way. The campaign has already changed many things at the agency. … The messages we give to the community must be clear and concise so we can convince others that investing in Valle del Sol is worthwhile and will make a difference in many people’s lives.
"The fellowship also included professional development funding for three of Valle del Sol’s senior staff members, who attended courses through the Center on Philanthropy."
Contact Information
Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez
Valle del Sol, Inc.
602.248.8101
luzs@valledelsol.com
www.valledelsol.com