At TFN, we believe our strength lies in our people, and we take pride in recognizing the expertise and commitment of our team members. This ongoing series — Meet the Team — highlights the talented individuals who power our network.
BY Brooke McPherson, Senior Communications and Engagement Associate, The Funders Network
In this edition of Meet the Team, we’re excited to spotlight our program associate, Kriselda Bautista! She supports general administration, communications and event planning for TFN’s Smart Growth America.
TFN: Hey Kriselda! Can you tell us about your role at TFN’s Smart Growth California and what a typical day looks like for you?
Kriselda: Hello! Yes, of course — I’m a Program Associate for Smart Growth California, and I support program communications (working in tandem with our wonderful TFN comms team!), in-person and virtual gatherings, and general member management.
A typical day for me might include a Zoom call or two with my fearless teammates, Ron (Program Director) and Diana (Program Manager), curating our monthly newsletter, updating our website with cool events and webinars happening around the state and coordinating with the wonderful folks who lead our working groups. When there are in-person gatherings around the corner, I’m usually working on logistics, securing vendors and making sure the event goes smoothly.
TFN: What drew you to work in the philanthropic sector, specifically around creating healthy, equitable and sustainable communities?
Kriselda: Since my first sustainability class at UC Irvine, I’ve been passionate about learning how modern society created and exacerbated the climate crisis, and equally passionate about figuring how best to address the many issues that have surfaced as a result of climate change. The scale at which climate threats affect communities is vast and in certain lights can be overwhelming, yet it’s also been encouraging to know that it can be addressed on many different levels.
I spent the first decade of my career working on sustainability initiatives with local governments across California, and in that work I realized how interdependent government agencies, nonprofits and funding agencies are in moving meaningful projects and programs forward that promote healthy, equitable and sustainable communities. Eventually, the opportunity to work with funders at Smart Growth California arose and, after a brief career break during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I was eager to dive into the world of philanthropy and see how funders were addressing environmental and social justice issues.
TFN: What’s a memorable moment you’ve had since joining the Smart Growth California team?
Kriselda: Oh, it would have to be the TFN Staff/Contractor Retreat in Miami, late 2022! I had just started working for TFN earlier that year, so it was my first time meeting my teammates (Ron Milam and Kerry Hastings), as well as the entire TFN team. On top of that, it was my first time in Miami, and the walking tour we did of Coconut Grove and learning about Black Miami was fascinating and eye-opening. Those few days made me feel so much closer to the TFN and Smart Growth California team, and gave me a great appreciation for place-based learning and the work that we do.
Apart from that, Ron and I were recently on a Zoom call where he saw two bald eagles, and that was pretty cool because I felt like I was part of that moment, even though I wasn’t physically there. I guess they’re pretty common up in Washington, but either way, it seemed a good omen!
TFN: We’re so excited for the upcoming 2026 Smart Growth California Funder Summit in Sacramento! What are you most looking forward to about the Summit?
Kriselda: I’m excited to meet the funders! It’s always great to put faces to names and feel grounded in the work I do since we’re all remote and working in our respective areas. I’m stoked to learn about the projects everyone is supporting, and really just be in community with one another, especially given the tumultuous times we’re braving right now.
TFN: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Kriselda: Back in 2013-14, I lived in Thailand and taught English there for half a year! After my teaching term ended, I backpacked throughout Southeast Asia for a few months. It was a life-changing experience, with moments that were overwhelming, beautiful and deeply memorable. I also had my room in the jungle ransacked by some mischievous monkeys. Never leave bananas out in the open unless you want some visitors!
Thank you, Kriselda, for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at all the meaningful ways you support TFN’s work. We’re so lucky to have you as part of TFN’s team.
Keep an eye out for the next team member spotlight as we continue to celebrate the people who bring bring boldness and joyful purpose to this work!