What is your professional background?

For over thirty years, I have collaborated with government entities, consulting firms, non-profits, and businesses in various sectors, such as real estate law, family law, investment banking, tech start-ups, real estate marketing, higher education, and commercial construction.

In 2009, I established a prominent construction litigation consulting firm in Phoenix, AZ. For almost a decade, we worked with top law firms and insurance companies to successfully resolve complex construction disputes while earning nearly $1mm in annual revenues.

In 2018, I created Pearl Consulting, LLC, to help Oregon political candidates win elections and non-profits to build public awareness and achieve fundraising goals. My most visible success was managing the 2019 Cascade Cycling Classic —North America’s longest-running elite stage race — considered by the public, participants, and the press to be the most successful race to date; we raised over $200k in donations and sponsorships.

Why did you decide to focus specifically on grant writing and non-profit development?

Over the years, I have volunteered in various capacities with several non-profit organizations, including renovating inner-city rowhomes with Habitat for Humanity, assisting with math and English adult literacy classes, leading informational hikes for environmental organizations, developing a marketing campaign for a local farm collective, and supporting events for the Outdoor School for All initiative. Focusing the wealth of my professional and volunteer experience on helping non-profit organizations secure much-needed funding has been a natural and exciting segue. 

Tell us about your educational background.

I hold a BA in Political Science from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County and an MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

Do you have a “motto” or words you live by?

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~Arthur Ashe