Today we’d like to introduce you to Alma Carrillo.
Alma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Alma Carrillo, my pronouns are she, her, ella, and I’m a first-generation Mexican and Salvadoran daughter, born and raised in Los Angeles. I’ve always been passionate about community, storytelling, and education, which led me to pursue a career in Communications and Fundraising. I currently serve as the Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at 826LA, a nonprofit that supports students ages 6–18 with their creative and expository writing.
Originally, I thought I would become a teacher, but after college, I pivoted into the nonprofit sector as a way to give back to the communities that raised me. Working at 826LA has been the perfect intersection of my love for education and mission-driven work.
When the pandemic hit, I deeply missed being in community. That’s when my friend Mirna and I started Jefas Con Libros, an online book club created as a way to stay connected and grounded during uncertain times. What started as a virtual gathering blossomed into a growing sisterhood.
Today, that seed has grown into Juntas Social Club — a space for Latinas, femmes, and nonbinary folks to come together offline. We’re building community through micro-events, workshops, and partnerships with local brands and creatives, creating space for joy, culture, and meaningful connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s in those challenges that the most growth happens. Working in the nonprofit sector means constantly navigating uncertainty, and right now, that uncertainty feels even more real. With shifts in our current administration, we’ve seen major organizations like NPR and PBS face devastating budget cuts, and our organization isn’t immune. There’s always the looming question of sustainability — how do we continue this important work when funding sources are unstable?
But this is also where creativity and resilience come in. I’ve had to learn how to pivot quickly, find new ways to fundraise, deepen partnerships, and continue building community, even when resources are limited. It’s taught me that the work is never just about money, it’s about mission, people, and adaptability.
With Juntas Social, I’m also entering a new chapter. What started with Mirna as a shared vision is now something I’m taking on solo, as she moves into an exciting new season of her own. I’m incredibly grateful for everything we built together, and now, I’m stepping into this next phase with a renewed sense of purpose. It’s time to flex those creative muscles and keep building something that brings people together, even if the road ahead isn’t perfectly paved.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my journey in the nonprofit world as a development intern, entering financial data into spreadsheets and databases. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me a solid foundation in fundraising operations. Along the way, I got to dabble in communications, writing appeals, helping with events, and working on campaigns — and that’s where I truly found my passion.
After four years of hard work and growth, I now serve as the Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at 826LA. In this role, I wear many hats: I manage our corporate partnerships, design and execute mission-driven campaigns, plan our fundraising events, and lead our PR and communications strategy. My background in fundraising gives me a unique edge, I know how to craft compelling calls to action and pitch our organization in ways that resonate deeply with external partners and audiences.
What I’m most proud of is building meaningful, authentic connections, whether that’s with corporate partners, community members, or students. I believe in the power of storytelling, and I use it to bridge gaps between communities and resources.
With Juntas Social, I get to take that passion a step further. It’s an extension of everything I love: building community, cultivating partnerships, and creating joyful, intentional spaces. What sets me apart is my ability to move fluidly between strategy and heart, to stay grounded in values while finding innovative ways to bring people together, and of course, make new friends!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be open to support and guidance from those around you. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that you have to do everything on your own, especially when you’re passionate and protective of your work. But I’ve learned that real growth comes when you invite others in.
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a consultant to help launch 826LA’s 20th anniversary campaign. At first, it was tough to open myself up to new ideas and feedback, but that collaboration pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. It reminded me that fresh perspectives are often what move projects from good to great.
That’s a mindset I hope to carry into Juntas Social, continuing to collaborate with brands, creatives, and community members. This work is deeply personal, but it’s also meant to be shared. Building something meaningful takes a village, and I’m learning to embrace that more every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juntassocial.com/ and https://www.826la.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juntassocial/ and https://www.instagram.com/alma_carrilloo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
Image Credits
Gala Photos- Sandy Saravia
