Meet Our Team

Sarah Wild is a dedicated professional with a remarkable track record in the nonprofit sector, particularly in fundraising and disaster response. Since founding Wild Fundraising in 2014, Sarah and her team have raised an impressive $34 million for small nonprofits globally. The organization, under Sarah's leadership, addresses the unique needs of groups advocating for marginalized communities, showcasing her commitment to social justice.

A graduate of UCLA, Sarah furthered her education by earning a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Orleans, specializing in Hazard Policy. With over a decade of experience managing charity fundraising projects and programs, she is an esteemed member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and holds the prestigious Certified Fund-Raising Executive designation.

Sarah's professional expertise includes strategic planning, providing support during leadership transitions, serving as an interim development director, and developing creative strategies for grassroots organizations. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and relentless enthusiasm are driving forces behind her success in collaborating with nonprofits of all sizes.

In 2015, Sarah demonstrated her commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery by contributing a chapter on Business Continuity during times of disaster to the textbook "The Private Sector's Role in Disasters: Leveraging the Private Sector in Emergency Management."

Notably, in 2021, Sarah took her passion for philanthropy to new heights by launching Grant Factory, a public 501c3 nonprofit. This innovative initiative aims to provide a pro-bono funding model to startup and fledgling nonprofits, responding to the urgent community needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida in Southeast Louisiana.

Sarah Wild's legacy extends beyond dollars raised; it encompasses a deep-rooted commitment to fostering positive change and supporting those on the front lines of community service, showcasing her as a true leader in the nonprofit sector.

Meet Julie, a resilient and ambitious Texas-born woman with a rich background in nursing, where she initially dedicated herself to helping others in times of need. Life's challenges and traumas, however, led her to reassess her career path, and she decided to embark on a new journey with Wild Fundraising, a dynamic organization that captured her passion for making a positive impact on the world.

Starting as a research assistant, Julie quickly realized her potential and began contributing significantly to the growth of the firm. With a keen eye for detail and an innate ability to build efficient systems, she played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for Wild Fundraising's exponential expansion. In just one year, Julie's dedication and strategic mindset propelled her to the position of Operations Manager, where she continues to lead with determination and foresight.

Together with her colleague Sarah, they have formed a formidable team, assembling a group of experienced professionals who share their vision and commitment. Sarah's work ethic is unparalleled—she is known for her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to completing tasks. Her ability to foresee potential challenges and proactively implement safeguards has not only protected the organization but has also positioned it on the most fruitful path to success.

Julie's journey from nursing to operations management at Wild Fundraising is a testament to her adaptability, resilience, and commitment to creating positive change. Her story serves as an inspiration to those facing career transitions, showcasing the transformative power of determination and a passion for making a difference.

Dena Marks is a conscientious proposal writer with a PhD in English and over 15 years of experience in communications. An award-winning scholarly writer and editor, she excels at translating complex research into readable arguments. Her essays appear in Gambit – New Orleans, Nola.com, Jezebel, Edward Albee & Absurdism, and more. Since joining Wild Fundraising in 2022, she has proactively collaborated with nonprofits in the youth development space to devise and revise compelling grant narratives. Her overarching goal is to leverage the power of language to fuel programmatic impact.

Meet Kalie Falls, a dynamic and passionate event coordinator with a genuine commitment to community engagement. Drawing from a diverse background in project management, facilitation, and outreach, Kalie has been a valuable contributor to various organizations and initiatives.

In her current role as a Development Associate, Kalie plays a pivotal role in connecting individuals with essential resources and support. Her proficiency in project planning, execution, and accountability ensures the success of every event she undertakes. Kalie's dedication to the community is evident in her ability to seamlessly navigate the complexities of coordinating events, ensuring that she not only meet but exceed expectations.

What sets Kalie apart is her unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and visibility. In every project, she strives to create safe and welcoming spaces that allow individuals to connect and express herself authentically. Kalie's warm and personable approach fosters a sense of belonging and leaves a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

With Kalie at the helm, you can trust that your events will not only be well-organized but will also carry a personal touch that resonates with attendees. Her genuine dedication to making a positive impact, coupled with their expertise in community engagement, positions Kalie as a trusted partner in creating meaningful connections within your community. Whether it's a large-scale gathering or an intimate affair, Kalie Falls brings a unique blend of professionalism and heartfelt dedication to every event they undertake.

Jessica is a writer, editor, and educator with over a decade of experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors across 4 continents. Holding a BA and MA in English with a dual focus on professional and creative writing, she specializes in academic writing, grant writing, curriculum development, and technical writing. As an educator and course writer, she has 8 years of experience teaching academic writing, business writing, and science research writing to undergraduate students.

Aside from education, Jessica is passionate about social justice and the empowerment of marginalized populations, with a history of nonprofit leadership experience advocating for refugees in Hong Kong, victims of domestic violence in Tennessee, and HIV at-risk youth in South Africa. In her work as a research consultant, Jessica has collaborated with research projects to conduct qualitative data analysis and co-author journal articles in the social sciences. As a grant writer, she enjoys the opportunity to present compelling cases and distill complex needs into clear and persuasive language for a wide audience.

At Wild Fundraising, Jessica combines her love of writing and advocacy to help organizations communicate their innovative methods in empowering underserved communities.

Meet Vanessa, a passionate and imaginative individual originally hailing from Worcester, MA, who has found her home in the eclectic and vibrant city of New Orleans since 2015. Before making New Orleans her home, she gained recognition as "Nanny in Paradise," bringing joy to families by hosting children's parties, weddings, and celebrations in Key West, FL, during their vacations.

Vanessa serves as an Early Childhood Educator in a New Orleans preschool, bringing her love for nurturing young minds into her professional life. Her dedication to education is evident, creating a positive impact on the lives of the little ones she guides through their early learning years.

Vanessa is not only a caretaker and educator but also a lifelong poet with a deep-seated love for creative and technical writing that dates back to her teenage years. This passion for language and expression has been a constant thread in her life, shaping her into a versatile and eloquent communicator.

Currently a proud member of the imaginative and creative crew of Development Professionals at Wild Fundraising, Vanessa is overjoyed to lend her skills to help nonprofits find their unique voice. Her role involves showcasing the impactful work these organizations do, ensuring that their message resonates with their target audience. Vanessa's creativity and ability to weave compelling narratives contribute to the broader mission of Wild Fundraising, making a difference in the nonprofit sector.

Vanessa brings a rich tapestry of experiences, from her poetic endeavors to her role as an educator and event host, all converging in her dedication to supporting nonprofits and helping them tell their stories in the most engaging and impactful way possible.