Yvette Alvarez-Murray
I am a grant writing and fundraising professional with over 16 years of experience in both higher education and the private, non-profit sectors. My major responsibilities have been to secure federal, state, local, and private funding for various programs and initiatives in education, healthcare, social services, capital campaigns, renewable energy, mental health, disadvantaged populations, and endowments. My major role was to research and identify funding opportunities through federal agencies, private, family, and corporate foundations, as well as local initiatives through various community-based partnerships. After years of working in the industry, I decided to start my own company doing consulting work for clients within various industry sectors. I also began traveling extensively while doing freelance writing and blogging about my experiences which are my truest passions.
The name of my company, Purpose Nomad came to be from a trip I took years ago that changed my life forever. I participated in a community volunteer project with my colleagues in a small, rural town just outside of Berlin, Germany. We built a playground for a kindergarten class that had no outdoor play equipment to play in during recess . The look on their faces and show of appreciation moved me to tears. I vowed I would one day start a company or nonprofit dedicated to avid travelers who want to explore the world with a purpose and give back to causes that mean something to them during their travels. While this concept of this part of my company is still coming to fruition, I consult with organizations that are making a difference in the world. I also continue doing my part through my own travels to explore with a purpose and show my deepest appreciation for the places I visit by giving back through volunteer work, donations, or public awareness.