DeOndra is the Senior Program Manager of Fund Development and DEI at Neighborhood Allies. Get to know her a little better!
1. What does your work at Neighborhood Allies look like day-to-day? My day-to-day work involves managing fund development strategies to ensure Neighborhood Allies has the resources it needs to create meaningful change. This includes writing grants, researching potential funders, and building donor relationships. 2. What is a project you are currently working on? I’m currently refining our donor engagement strategy to build deeper, more meaningful connections with our funders. This involves collaborating with our programs and communications team to enhance storytelling, showcase our impact, and demonstrate the transformative work we do across neighborhoods. 3. What unique experience do you bring to your role? I bring a unique ability to see challenges from multiple perspectives and transform ideas into actionable solutions. My experience in DEI, operations and fundraising allows me to approach each project with empathy and a strategic mindset. By centering all voices, whether it’s our team, funders, or the community, I create strategies that are inclusive, impactful, and grounded in real-world solutions. 4. What is your favorite part about working at Neighborhood Allies? My favorite part is how we create space for people to be their authentic selves. Neighborhood Allies fosters an environment of understanding, openness, and compassion, making it a place where everyone feels welcomed. It’s not just about the work we do but how we do it, centered on humanity, mutual respect, and genuine care for each other and the communities we serve. 5. Is there a particular neighborhood or story that’s stayed with you and continues to inspire your work? Honestly, it’s not about one single story, it’s the people I work with every day that inspire me the most. Our team is all in, and it’s never about just going through the motions or checking a box. It’s about showing up for people, meeting them where they are, and finding real ways to help. I think about moments like Demi going above and beyond with every small business she works with, making sure they feel supported. Or Shad, sitting one-on-one with grantees, giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Then there’s Tamara, out in the community, hands-on, making sure their voices are truly centered in the projects that will shape their community. These aren’t just stories, they’re real examples of why what we do matters. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives, not just in big, flashy ways, but in the small, meaningful moments that truly count. 6. What’s your vision for the future of Neighborhood Allies and the communities it serves? I envision Neighborhood Allies continuing to grow as a trusted partner that drives equity, innovation, and opportunity across our neighborhoods. My hope is that we continue to deepen our impact, fostering stronger, more meaningful connections with communities and partners, ensuring that every initiative we support helps people build thriving, sustainable futures. 7. If you could swap roles with anyone on the team for a day, whose role would you choose and why? I would swap roles with Presley, our President. Presley’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping Neighborhood Allies into the impactful organization it is today. If I had the chance to step into his role for a day, I’d focus on amplifying the incredible foundation he has built while adding my own creative approach. I’d prioritize deepening community connections, strengthening relationships with funders, and exploring innovative ways to expand our reach. I would bring my ability to balance strategy with empathy and creativity to the role. I thrive on inspiring others and turning challenges into opportunities. As President and CEO, I would champion equity, spark innovation, and ensure that our mission remains centered on the voices and needs of the people we serve. It would be an exciting opportunity to honor Presley’s leadership while exploring how I could uniquely contribute to moving our mission forward. 8. What neighborhood do you live in and why do you love it? I currently live in the Penn Hills area. While I never imagined living here, especially after growing up on the Northside, it’s become a space I appreciate for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Although I would have loved to stay in the neighborhood where my roots are, Penn Hills offers a different kind of peace, one that reminds me to value the present while staying connected to my past. 9. What is your favorite thing to do when not at work? I love writing and working on creative projects. For me, writing is an escape, an opportunity to create worlds where anything is possible. Outside of that, I enjoy spending time with my kids, exploring new places, watching exciting shows or movies, and finding inspiration in the small, everyday moments that make life meaningful. 10. Favorite quote: “If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it.” — Toni Morrison
