Ali is a seasoned leader, with more than 28 years+ experience and expertise in generating revenue and increasing brand value for businesses, non profit organizations and city government. Ali is a graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Recreation & Leisure studies and a minor in Marketing. After working in the municipal setting in Event & Program Management for 13+ years in North Carolina & Tennessee before she made the transition back to CA and has since been fundraising and serving in leadership in the non profit realm working with several non profits on the CA Central Coast. This understanding of working in both sectors: city government and non profits has been valuable in serving Downtown SLO for the past two years as their Fundraising Director. Goals for 2024 include seeking new grant opportunities for the Friends of Downtown SLO 501c3, developing multi-year corporate sponsorship agreements and seeking new and creative revenue ideas.
Down time is spent traveling, gardening, spending time with her young adult daughters who live in Santa Maria and Sacramento and taste testing at new Downtown SLO eateries and establishments.