Meet Jessica Cachaldora | Community Foundation Development Director

There are common misconceptions about what nonprofits are and what they do. In my opinion, the most fundamental confusion lies with the term “nonprofit.” Nonprofits can make a profit and actually should in order to have some level of positive revenue to build a reserve fund to ensure sustainability. The key difference between nonprofits and for-profits is that a nonprofit organization cannot distribute its profits to any private individual.

I’d say my “official” professional career started approximately 15 years ago. Prior to then I had “jobs,” several jobs, in all different industries spanning from retail, interior design, media buying and wellness.

It was about the time that I met my husband Nick, that I seriously began to ask myself the question “what do I want to be when I grow up?” Still unsure at that moment, I took Nick and his parents’ advice to get my real estate license. I did just that and spent the following 6 years in real estate, property management and hospitality. The experience I gained in sales, personal relations, service and account management was and still remains invaluable.

After becoming a mother of two beautiful girls, I found myself at a crossroad. Should I continue in the same industry (hospitality and property management) which was unpredictable yet profitable, a 24/7 commitment, and a spring board in my career, or should I once again revisit the question “what do I want to be when I grow up?”

My focus and priorities had shifted and thanks to the advice from my wise parents, I  decided to rephrase the golden question. Rather than what do I want to be, I asked myself “WHO do I want to be when I grow up?” It was at that moment in time that I realized, I would need to find a career and industry that not only fit into my new life as a mom, but that also fulfilled me as an individual.

That is when I entered the world of nonprofit. Being a Giver personality type, I knew that service to my community in the form of paying it forward for the generations to come would make me feel most proud and success would inevitably follow. I enthusiastically joined Baptist Health Foundation where I worked in development for over 6 years. Understanding and seeing the impact that philanthropy has on the wellbeing of the community was and is still inspiring and incredibly rewarding.

Most recently, I was welcomed as the Director of Development at Coral Gables Community Foundation. Now in its 33rd year, the Community Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.” I am excited to be at the Community Foundation and to be part of something so great.

Miami is an incredible city with infinite dining and entertainment options. If you only had one single opportunity to visit Miami, I’d highly recommend getting out on the water. Lucky for me, I have friends with boats (thats the best type) but charters are relatively easy to come by. Shout out to Happy Cruises out of Coconut Grove Marina! Check them out!

Sporting events and concerts are always a lot of fun and probably my two of my favorite activities to do with family and friends. The Miami Open is going on now and is a great time! I recently took my daughters to their first Miami Heat game. It was a blast and they are already asking to go to another one.

As for shopping and dining, Merrick Park, Coconut Grove and the Design District are a must. These spots are thriving with a variety of restaurants and retailers. Merrick Park is in the historic city of Coral Gables and is a lovely spot especially during the Holidays. The Neiman Marcus is quite amazing and you can never go wrong when shopping with their ever so talented stylist Jenniver Boos. Coconut Grove is rich with local boutiques. Ladies, you must stop by  Nikki’s Beachhouse for a new swimsuit. I love Lokal for a great burger and Bellini Miami is a beautiful spot with breathtaking views for a special occasion. The Design District is opulence on steroids and great people watching! My ultimate favorite spot to eat there is COTE, a Korean steakhouse.

I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by my supportive parents Maria and Oscar, my loving and encouraging husband Nick, genuine friends (they know who they are), tight knit family and a wonderful mentor. Collectively they have influenced my professional journey and I will forever be grateful to each of them. I’d like to also give a special shot out to my peers at the Coral Gables Community Foundation. You are very special beings, who are doing incredible work in our community and I am honored to be part of your team.