FOUNDER

Root Reach Rise Inc (R³) was founded by Melody B. Hernandez, a grant consultant with 9 years’ experience helping nonprofits work to build, maintain, sustain, and/or grow by securing grant funds. Over this time, Melody has raised $50 million dollars on behalf of nonprofit clients, the bulk of which represents first time funding for programs or organizations. Melody is a member of the Grant Professionals Association, sits on their Ethics Committee, is one of the founding board members of the local Greater Bay Area Chapter and currently serves as President of this chapter.

Connect with me about fundraising challenges (grants, donor strategy, and funder relationships), approaches, collaborative strategy session.

With over 25 years of experience in education, development, and communications, Mary is firmly rooted in nonprofit management and advocacy. Her fundraising background includes development department management, grant writing/project management, individual giving programs, emerging nonprofit guidance, donor CRM management, communications, and professional development/training services. She has worked with schools, religious communities as well as environmental, youth development and arts organizations. Based in New York City, she guides small theatre arts organizations and is a Board member of Hudson Valley’s Greenwood Lake Theater. A lifelong artist and writer, Mary is a passionate steward of the Theatre, advocating for its impactful place in all communities.

Connect with me about grant writing, project management, and emerging nonprofit guidance.

Alana Black is a writer, editor, and communications strategist with a passion for helping nonprofit organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences, including the communities they serve and potential funders. As a consultant and on staff, Alana has helped BIPOC-led arts and culture organizations create and implement successful digital strategies for improved reach, and secure funding for general operating support and programming. When she’s not working, you can find her writing fiction and humor, heading uphill on a run or hike, or eating something delicious.

Connect with me about grant writing or communications, especially clear yet concise writing, editorial guidance, and/or creating social media content.

Ayla Hurtienne is the Communications Coordinator at Root Reach Rise Inc. She manages digital content, coordinates outreach, and keeps Root Reach Rise’s message clear and inspiring. In her role, Ayla oversees internal and external communications, develops strategic messaging, and produces content that amplifies the company’s impact in the nonprofit world. Ayla loves using communication to connect people, ideas, and opportunities that make a difference. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, going on hikes, doing a bit of light fishing, and capturing wildlife through her photography.

Connect with me about current needs across marketing and light grant-development related work. This includes creating space for you to share where support is needed, what’s in progress, and upcoming priorities.

Milo Wetherall is an Associate at Root Reach Rise Inc. specializing in grant-writing and funder research support services. Born and raised in San Francisco, he is excited to support the Bay Area nonprofit organizations that ensure everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive. Before joining R3, he taught English in rural France and trained in professional fundraising as the development intern at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Milo is eager to support regional arts, humanities, education, and environmental initiatives through his work. Outside of R3, you can find him perusing local bookshops, volunteering at the San Francisco Historical Society, and enjoying our local parklands.

Connect with me about interpreting grant rubric, mock-scoring, editing support to help clients navigate the gray area between grant rubrics and grant questions.

Katie Quan (she/her) is an artist, educator, and advocate. For the past decade, Katie has been involved in the Bay Area world of nonprofit, arts, and Ethnic Studies.

From fundraising to grant writing to social media marketing, she is committed to connecting with local grassroots organizations and supporting their work in any way she can. In her free time, you can find her drawing, bouldering, or swatting gnats from her indoor plants.

Connect with me about clear narratives and storylines, graphic design, marketing materials, and brand guidelines.