Smitha Gandra

Development Associate

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 as a Development Associate 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.