Smitha Gandra

Development Manager

Smitha started off her career in Consumer public relations focusing on increasing her clients’ immediate and long-term value. Brand teams she has worked on include Burger King and ConAgra Foods.  After two years working in PR, Smitha transitioned into nonprofit work by accepting a position as the Development Associate at the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. During her time at Make-A-Wish, Smitha developed and managed multiple fundraising initiatives, including Pocketful of Wishes which engaged schools in the Bay Area to fundraise, as well as leading a mentorship program for students ages 13 to 18 to inspire the next generation of young philanthropists.

Smitha’s interest in women-led organizations drew her to the Women’s Funding Network. She joined our team in 2010 and currently engages with individual and corporate donors, conducts research on potential prospects and strategizes with the development team to optimize WFN’s growth potential.  

Smitha holds a B.A. in both Marketing and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis.