Say hello to Kayla Brons, who was recently promoted to Grant Portfolio Manager.
As Grant Portfolio Manager, Kayla supports Habitat Oregon’s Finance and Development Team to expand and monitor our pass-through funding programs. Kayla manages Habitat Oregon’s Down Payment Assistance Program and leads applications and reporting for select private funders. Working collaboratively with the Grant Portfolio Director, Kayla helps strengthen Habitat Oregon’s relationship with our network and funding partners to build the capacity of Habitat affiliates.
Tell us a little about yourself:
Kayla (she/her/hers) joined Habitat Oregon in January 2020 as an administrative coordinator, moved into the Resource Manager role in January 2021 and was promoted to Grant Portfolio Manager in January 2022. Prior to Habitat, she served as the executive assistant and grant writer for a non-governmental organization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kayla found Habitat after returning to the states in search of opportunities to serve her home community in positive development ways — Habitat Oregon is the perfect fit.
Kayla grew up in Canby, Ore., and moved to Orange, Calif. to attend Chapman University where she graduated with a degree in political science with an emphasis in international relations. In summers through college, Kayla worked in Portland as an executive assistant and event manager for a local nonprofit dance arts organization, A-WOL Dance Collective. She now serves on A-WOL’s board of directors. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys yoga, dancing, and attempting to golf.
What is your favorite to see or do in Oregon?
I take any opportunity to be at the beach that I can get. We Oregonians are also so lucky to live in such a rich wine country! I love tasting at any of Oregon’s amazing wineries and learning about Oregon wines.
What is a recent book, podcast or movie/TV show that you would recommend to others?
Not the most recent, but anything Anthony Bourdain. I still rewatch “Parts Unknown” and I have his books all over my house. He’s entertaining and gritty and connected over food so beautifully with people around the world. I credit him for a lot of inspiration I’ve had to talk to strangers, try new things and go off the beaten path.
What does home mean to you?
Home is people.
What’s a highlight from your time with Habitat Oregon so far?
During a session in our virtual Western Region Conference, one participant mentioned being in a room “full of helpers” and I distinctly remember feeling like Habitat is where I was supposed to be.
What are you looking forward to most for the next year (Habitat, personal, or both)?
I joined Habitat right before COVID-19 sent us all home, so I have met a few Habitat-ers outside of a computer screen — I can’t wait to meet more of the Habitat network in person!