Melinda Wilkes Ma, Cnp, Cva

Melinda Wilkes, MA, CNP, CVA has a diverse and extensive work experience in the nonprofit sector.

Starting in 2000, they worked as a Program Assistant at Santa Cruz Hillel, where they recruited participants for religious, educational, and social programs, managed a phone-a-thon, and assisted in a grant proposal.

In 2004, they became a Campaign Associate at the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, where they raised over $1,000,000 through face-to-face solicitations and managed affinity groups.

In 2006, Melinda joined Jewish Family Service of San Diego as a Volunteer Services Manager, responsible for managing over 1,000 volunteers and supervising various programs and initiatives. Melinda later became the Director of Volunteer Engagement, leading a team and collaborating with agency staff.

From 2017 to 2021, Melinda served as the Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement at Special Olympics Southern California. Melinda oversaw the recruitment, training, and management of over 20,000 volunteers and provided strategic leadership.

In 2021, Melinda held the role of Director of Volunteer Services at OneOC, where they managed the largest department and supported nonprofit partners and corporations in volunteer capacity building. Melinda was responsible for multiple programs and initiatives with a budget of over $1M.

Also in 2021, Melinda became the Vice President of Community Based Services at Unlimited Possibilities (UP). In this role, they joined the executive leadership team, overseeing over 300 field staff and managing a budget of $4.5M.

Throughout their career, Melinda has also been involved with the University of San Diego, teaching courses and providing instruction on volunteer workforce, risk management, and program evaluation.

With their diverse experience and expertise, Melinda Wilkes has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to nonprofit success in volunteer engagement and community-based services.

Melinda Wilkes, MA, CNP, CVA, has a strong educational background and extensive certifications in the nonprofit sector. Melinda obtained a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2004. In 2006, they pursued a Paralegal Program at the University of San Diego. Melinda then went on to complete a Master's degree in Nonprofit Leadership & Management from the same university between 2009 and 2011. Additionally, Melinda holds certifications as a Certified Nonprofit Professional from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and as a Certified Volunteer Administrator from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration.