Meet Kylea Johnson!

Crystal Bruce

Meet (and friend!) Kylea Johnson, a Blackbaud Community Ninja, with Centralia College Foundation.

What’s a life achievement you are particularly proud of? "I started out working for a very small nonprofit (okay, I was the only employee...) and I successfully ran their first fundraiser at an OUTDOOR setting with NO AMENITIES and nobody (including me) cried, there were no fires, and no fines. Oh and we also made a few thousand dollars!"What’s one memory that always makes you smile? "Hearkening back to the horses thing, I always smile thinking about galloping a steady horse over an open field!"What is one interesting fact about yourself most people don't know? "I can't swim. I know you're gasping and telling me that you can teach me, but I promise you that you can't." What’s the best part of your job? "I work in an old historic house with beautiful wood floors, big windows, weird room layouts, the whole kit and kaboodle. I also like working with Raisers Edge--I think I'm  supposed to say that, right?  I've run a LOT of queries because I think they're really interesting, and am learning crystal reports. I'm pretty proud of one right now that sorts our alumni giving by class year and charts out how many years after graduation our alumni start to give on average."What advice would you give someone starting out in the non-profit field? "Go volunteer! It might sound weird but it's really gratifying to go to someone else's event and just enjoy doing something good without worrying about the logistics."What do you love about the Blackbaud Community? "I'm rather new to the software so every once in a while *wink* I get stuck. You guys are geniuses and I love that most of my questions have already been answered!"

Meet Kylea Johnson! This week's member spotlight shines on Raiser's Edge and RENXT user, Kylea Johnson, with Centralia College.   Kylea Johnson's Community Profile

Tell us about your family (fur babies count!) "I live with my boyfriend in Lacey, but we both spend a lot of time with our families who live locally. We have no human babies. I don't know about 'fur babies' because they're sort of large, but I have 3 fur (hair?) brethren. I ride and train horses, and am currently working on three at the moment. I like to start young  horses who may not have had a good life otherwise, including ex racehorses, though they're a handful!" Where do you live? "Lacey, Washington." What do you like to do for fun? "As mentioned, I train horses in a cool sport called 3-day eventing which includes jumping and is based off of military cavalry training. I also do Crossfit (I'm 5'1" so I have to get strong to keep those big horses under control!), avidly read fantasy and sci-fi (any recommendations?), and volunteer a lot."

Tell us about your organization: "Centralia College is the "oldest continually operating community college in Washington State" which gets printed on like all of our publications so it's kind of a running joke at this point. Our Foundation supports the college, including scholarships and program support. Our work is made extra important as our county ranks in the bottom third in both income and secondary education for our state. We're also the only college in the county, and our college doesn't participate in the student loan program which is awesome but also means that students really depend on the funds we raise." What’s a typical day like for you? "Open up the office, run donations, put out fires, organize whatever the Board has going on, then get to work on my project for the week!"

Finally, if you were a sandwich, what kind of sandwich would you be? "You know how a good sandwich has plenty of really good lettuce? That local, farm raised stuff with a name like 'butter lettuce' or 'gem lettuce?' I'm a sandwich with plenty of that delicious crunchy lettuce. Probably some roasted turkey, some red onion, and thick, soft whole wheat bread. Simple."

Cathy Spencer

I love your description of your first fund raising event. Any event with no tears is a winner

Kylea Johnson

Cathy--right? Maybe I have low standards but there have been some close calls.

Kimberley Payne

We used to have a Centralia College in our community here in Ontario, Canada. It is closed now, but we still have an amazing Agriculture University and College in Guelph and Ridgetown. ON. You have inspired me to run more queries!

 

Kylea Johnson

Kimberley-queries are literally the best, throw in a little "export" and a dash of Crystal Reports and the world is at your fingertips! Well-at least the little part of the world that is your constituents. ; )

Heather MacKenzie

Kylea, so great to learn more about you!  Fellow horse lover here, but none of them are in my life at this time, and I feel their lack.  Going to live vicariously through you!

Barb Faasse

Love the story of your first event Kylea!  Obviously you won't let anything hold you back!

Kylea Johnson

Heather--It certainly isn't easy (or cheap)! Always glad to hear about another crazy horse girl.


Barb-Thanks!

Kaleb Miller

I think the whole spotlight is great- but what catches my attention then most? Those MOUNTAINS. We don't have those mountain views here in Illinois...


Great to meet you Kylea!