Meet Cherryl Castro-Lector - Development Manager, SDBB Foundation
Cherryl Castro-Lector joined SDBB Foundation in June 2019 as a Development Manager. In addition to meeting with financial donors, preparing grant proposals, coordinating tours and cultivation events, financial donors may have received a phone call from Cherryl expressing gratitude for philanthropic gifts. Cherryl brings her passion and more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to SDBB.
From cultural preservation to museum administration, her background has enabled her to evolve into a conscientious and thoughtful leader. Cherryl has held development, marketing, communications and curatorial positions at several arts and culture institutions, namely, The San Diego Museum of Art, The Philippine Library and Historical Heritage Museum, The New Children’s Museum, and the San Diego Archaeological Center. Cherryl is a strong supporter of developing and sustaining partnerships that promote healthy and vibrant communities.
What do you do for SDBB Foundation? What will you bring to SDBB’s giving community?
As Development Manager, I am responsible for launching a comprehensive annual giving and major gift strategic fundraising program that will generate new revenue for the SDBB Foundation. I serve as a liaison across the organization and articulate San Diego Blood Bank’s initiatives to potential financial donors. Overall, I play a strategic role in executing our Mission: Saving lives with quality blood services in partnership with the community and enhancing community health through research, education, and personalized wellness. I bring to the organization and its supporters over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector acquired through involvement in a diverse range of organizations.
Do you have a particular passion for the work we do here at SDBB? What makes you excited about the work you're doing?
I am blessed to have many family members and friends who work in the medical profession; it is extremely helpful to have someone to turn to for advice! Growing up, I knew I wasn’t going to become a pharmacist like my mom, or even a nurse like my mother-in-law; however, I was certain that one day I would find myself working in some capacity in the healthcare field. Many years later, as an established fundraiser, my goal is to raise funds and awareness for this important community organization and for those who rely on us to survive.
Tell us about someone who has influenced you in your life. Who are they and what did they teach you?
During my professional development, I was fortunate to have been mentored by, not one, but four amazing women who have supported and encouraged me through the years. I am so thankful for the guidance provided by Mary Andersen, Stephanie Casenza, Brenda Regier, and Felicia Shaw. The following words come to mind whenever I think about my mentors: diligence, persistence, perseverance, respect, and understanding. Without my mentors, I would not be where I am today.
What is something unique about yourself that you’d like to share with SDBB’s giving community?
I love meeting and getting to know new people. I learned that everyone has a story to tell, and when given the opportunity, people will share what is on their minds and in their hearts. As a development professional, it is important to make a connection with people and help them to discover how they can best serve their communities. People can choose to be involved with an organization as financial donors, volunteers, or advocates for the cause. I enjoy establishing vital connections between SDBB and those who are passionate about our Mission.
How can someone new to charitable giving or new to supporting the blood bank get involved with SDBB Foundation?
Anyone interested in making financial contributions to San Diego Blood Bank can contact me anytime! Making your important gift is quick and simple. Through the Visionary and Leadership Circles, we offer our financial supporters the chance to divide recurring donations into manageable installments throughout the year. We are thankful to those who sustain SDBB with their monthly financial donations!
The best way for anyone to learn about our operations is to attend one of our monthly tours at SDBB Headquarters. Tours are led by CEO David Wellis, Ph.D. and Vice President of Labs and Research Dr. Rob Tressler. Visitors have the opportunity to view the different areas of the facility and see what occurs beyond blood donations. Our special guests get to see how blood is processed, stored, and prepared for shipping to one of our 49 hospital partners. One thing you’ll realize from the start is that SDBB is a well-oiled machine! There’s so much to learn and see and I would be more than happy to take visitors through headquarters for a special behind-the-scenes tour.
FUN FACTS ABOUT CHERRYL
Cherryl resides in Chula Vista with her husband and their two young children. They enjoy visiting San Diego’s diverse art and science museums and institutions, theme parks, and exploring their hometown.
Cherryl received her certification in Nonprofit Management at the USD School of Leadership and Educational Sciences (SOLES), certification in Grant Proposal Writing from SDSU, and Fundraising Certification through National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. Cherryl received her BA in Art History at SDSU.
Cherryl was recently named a Rising Star by the Phil Am Business Improvement and Development Organization.
Cherryl was recognized by The San Diego Foundation as a Rising Arts Leader among the new generation of nonprofit administrators and is a past grant recipient of the leadership program.
To learn more about ways to give and SDBB Foundation, contact Cherryl Castro-Lector at (619) 400-8214.