Please Welcome Our New Encore Fellows Program Coordinator!
SVP Portland is happy to announce that Cristina Melinte has joined our team as the new Encore Fellows Program Coordinator! “I am excited about this role because I love knowledge-sharing and community-building,” says Cristina. “I look forward to having honest and authentic conversations with the Encore Fellows to vet out their passions and help match them with organizations that will ensure a mutually-fulfilling fellowship experience.”
Cristina has experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors of the Portland-metro area. When she was a business advisor, she worked with organizations at various stages of operation, from concept to scaling up production to meet expansion goals. She facilitated workshops and events, as well as offered one-on-one advising and coaching, for entrepreneurs from varied backgrounds and origins. Cristina found the multicultural and community-building aspects of this work rewarding and fulfilling. Cristina continues to coach small businesses, with a focus on creatives and non-native English speakers.
When not working, Cristina enjoys creating with textiles and watercolors. Using salvaged or upcycled materials, she makes functional and interpretive visual and wearable art. She is inspired by nature, pets, and love. You can also find Cristina hiking, exploring new and exciting food experiences, reading, and spending time with her family and pets. You can reach out to Cristina if you are interested in learning more about being an Encore Fellow, or if you would just like to welcome her to SVP Portland!
We have a deep appreciation for our previous Encore Fellows Program Coordinators, Linda K. Williams and Sue Foley, who are both leaving their roles to focus on other pursuits. Linda is turning her attention to her thriving goat rental business, because caring for the likes of Colonel Mustard takes a lot of hard work! Sue is helping to onboard and train Cristina, and then will transition out of her role to enjoy retirement in Hood River!