Bobbi is a Consultant Grant Writer and owner of Gila Business Consulting located in Farmington, NM. Bobbi has been a member of GPA since 2019. Bobbi is also a member of the Southern Arizona Chapter of GPA.
I asked Bobbi a few questions about her experience, which I’m sharing below so you can get to know her a little better. If you learned something new, liked something about their story, or just want to say hi, please comment below to let Bobbi know!
Please tell us a little bit about how you got started in the grants profession and what you like most about your role.
Like many of us, my start as a grant writer didn't happen intentionally. During the years I owned and operated a successful tile and mosaic tile design and installation business, I was recognized by the local economic development office. They asked me to offer volunteer support to women business owners and startups. This experience prepared me for a board position with a 501c3 economic development organization which led to grant writing for economic development groups as a consultant. Over the past 15 years I have been both employee and consultant for a variety of nonprofit organizations. My experience in the trades informed my current work of building grant management systems and compliance strategies. Years of small business ownership in a traditionally male environment fueled my commitment to the women’s movement and support of women as business owners and nonprofit leaders.
What is your biggest career highlight to date?
It’s not easy to pick one highlight. What comes first to mind are the people I have met through my work, especially those with a passion to provide solutions for tough community problems. Every successful proposal that funds an organization doing good in the community is cause for celebration! Providing support for organizations that bring diverse groups of people together to create and inform change, growth, and connection makes my work life meaningful.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to the grants profession?
Build strong supportive relationships with colleagues. The grant landscape is vast - there will always be more to learn. Make a habit of reading nonprofit news, connecting to online resources, and paying attention to the actions of national and local government leaders. Having a mentor, or a series of mentors as you grow your skills and capacities can make the path much easier. Post questions on GrantZone and read other’s posts, it will help you find solutions. I am amazed at how much I have learned from colleagues who are facing the same or similar problems.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of GPA?
GPA provides camaraderie and excellent support to members. Sitting on the Mentorship Committee gives me the opportunity to help improve member experience by promoting the sharing of professional knowledge, capacity, and acumen. Being able to reach out to folks who can commiserate with the tough situations I sometimes land in who can help me find humor in them are priceless. I am grateful for GrantZone and read it most days - it helps me resolve issues and find answers to questions that come up.
What makes you happy (travel, hobbies, family, pets…whatever makes you smile).
I am an artist with a project in every room. My practice in pottery, painting, drawing, and weaving offer relief when my work gets too intense. I love to walk and hike with our dogs and spend time in my garden. Nature always makes me smile.