1. Give us the 411: where you live, work, and what a day in your life looks like.

I have been in marketing and sales for the last 10 years. Currently, I am a Client Manager for prominent sporting gear retailer, Sports Basement, which I love. In my spare time I dabble in marketing, PR and event planning for young, female entrepreneurs. I live in Berkeley, CA, with my 9 year old daughter Raven. I am a volunteer, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a lover of fashion, an admirer of architecture, a traveler, an avid Bikram yogini but still falling out of poses every time and a loyal friend to the end.
2. Why did you join Vivanista?

I loved the idea that women who are philanthropic with their time and money could convene together to share ideas and to meet socially.

3. What is your favorite element of Vivanista?

My favorite – that is hard to say. I love so many things, however, if I had to select just one it will be the Tales from the Chair and Tuesdays Talks. Okay, that is two but I love them equally. The concept of showcasing chairs from around the country is novel. I learn something new every time I read the article or view the webisode.

4. What are your interests/hobbies?

Reading, Traveling, Antiquing – die hard Alameda Antique Fair-goer, addicted to social media especially Facebook and Vivianista, stealing hugs from my daughter, basking in the sun whenever or wherever I can find it.

5. What is your cause? What charities/nonprofits do you support?

I am a life member of the Junior League of San Francisco, a member of Children’s Support League of the East Bay, a supporter of Global Exchange, planning committee of East Bay AIDS Walk.

6. Why do you support this cause?

Basically I love to help. Whatever I can do to assist others to achieve their goals comes back to me in many ways. The power of giving is phenomenal. I support because there is work that needs to be done. Until there is no reason to have charities and we have reached a perfect utopia, I will continue to support.

7. How has this cause changed your life?

I know that it has affected my daughter immensely. It has brought us closer and opened a dialogue on the subject of art of giving. When ever I get a chance I tote her along with me to meetings, events and etc. Side note: My daughter loves parties because she loves being social and often asks if I am going to an event that she can attend as well. I recently noticed that the philanthropic seed has rubbed off. She stated that for her birthday this year she wanted to forgo receiving gifts in exchange for party-goers to give back to a charity. Together we choose Heifer International to go along with her safari-themed birthday party. It was one of my proudest moments that for a child who constantly wants every gadget under the sun and who is often bitten by the single child syndrome would actually think of others on her big day without a little nudging from her mother.

8. What is one fundraising question you would like to ask the experts at Vivanista?

Well, one talks about traits of a good leader/chair, I would like to hear from the members of Vivianista about what are the characteristic/behaviors/traits of chair(s) that they wish they could changed because the committee members did not have a great experience. We need to learn what not to do, how do the committee members help make positive changes within the group and, also, how one can keep the momentum going. I think we have all had this experience one time or another.

9. How do you plan to Empow(H)er others this year?

Being present and lending a hand whenever possible.

10. What are three words that best describe you?

Incandescently divinely happy.

About the author: Kimberly Miller

Kimberly Miller is the Director of Business Development for Wine, Women and Shoes, and she splits her time between San Francisco and Napa Valley.

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