Exciting Next Step news! We have a new member on our staff and she’s from Nevada! Welcome, Jacey Gonzalez, Next Step’s new Grants and Events Coordinator. Jacey will be involved in coordinating events for us, like our annual fundraisers and specialty events. Jacey will also be coordinating different grant proposals to help further Next Step’s mission to shatter limitations and elevate aspirations of chronically ill teens and young adults during their transition to adulthood.
Before Jacey started at Next Step she was involved with the National Hemophilia Foundation, which helps support people living with rare bleeding disorders. She also spent the last eight years volunteering with Candlefighters of Southern Nevada, which helps families who have been impacted by childhood cancer. Jacey grew up going to their camp and now sits on their camp committee board as the Junior Counselor Director.
We recently sat down with Jacey to learn about her personal interests, her hometown back in Nevada and what motivated her to join the Next Step team! Read our interview and learn about the newest member of the Next Step staff!
How did you find Next Step and what about the organization appealed to you?
Jacey: I was actually introduced to Next Step from a family friend. She had been to a retreat where Quita and Kimberly were doing breakout sessions and fell in love with the organization. When Next Step posted the job, she immediately sent it to me and said that maybe this was the place for me. After talking with Bill and Nancy, I realized that Next Step was the PERFECT place for me to further my career while also working with an organization that I believed in.
Some of our followers have never been to Nevada. How would you describe your hometown?
Jacey: My hometown is Las Vegas! I grew up among the glitz and the glamour but lived in a suburban area that was fairly normal. There’s so much to see in Las Vegas and SO MUCH GOOD FOOD! My weekends were never boring. I’m a native Nevadan and we’re a rare breed these days. I’m proud of my home state and even have it tattooed on my ankle!
Right now, you’re living in Nevada. What are you looking forward to most when you move to New England?
Jacey: Four seasons! I’m looking forward to the fall and winter seasons the most. I’m an avid snowboarder and cant wait to hit the slopes up in Vermont during the winter.
Why did you choose the nonprofit career path?
Jacey: I knew that I wanted to do something with purpose. I grew up volunteering with nonprofits and knew that this was the place for me.
What is your favorite quote?
Jacey: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton
We are really into music at Next Step. Do you have a favorite musician? Favorite concert that you have attended?
Jacey: My all-time favorite band is Blink-182! I’m a huge fan of punk rock. And that being said, my favorite concert was Blink-182.
What is your favorite tie-dye color and what is the best apparel for tie-dye?
Jacey: My favorite tie-dye color is different shades of blue. I’m a University of Nevada Alumna and love to proudly rep my alma mater’s colors, which are silver and navy. I think the best apparel for tie-dye is crewneck sweaters!
Give us a random factoid about you!
Jacey: I have a minor in Holocaust, Genocide and Peace Studies.
You’ve quickly jumped into the Next Step team mentality so much so that you joined our 2021 Falmouth Road Race team! Are you excited to participate in the 7-mile race in support of our community, music and mentorship programs?
Jacey: I am SO excited to virtually run Falmouth! I’ve been waiting for the right time to get back into fundraising and couldn’t think of a better time to do so. I love Next Step’s mission and personally identify with it, which makes it a win/win scenario for me.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Next Step?
Jacey: All of the incredible people I get to meet and work with. And the DUCKS! Love the ducks.
Click here to read more about the Next Step staff and board of directors.
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