Mercedes Santos-Garay

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT MERCEDES SANTOS-GARAY

I\'m a passionate Development, Marketing and Communications leader with 20 years of experience driving growth at nonprofits and in higher education. I leverage data and storytelling to develop strategic campaigns that increase brand awareness, revenue, and community engagement. I have a proven track record of tripling annual revenue and securing media coverage in top publications like The New York Times and Good Morning America. Currently at the helm of Wesley Community Center\'s development and marketing endeavors since November 2025, I was previously at West Houston Assistance Ministries, where I enhanced the agency’s fundraising and strategic communications efforts, allowing the organization to significantly and transformationally increase capacity and the direct assistance available to families in need. Building their Development and Marketing Department from the ground up, I helped drive the organization\'s ambitious Strategic Plan and Vision for over 8 years. From tripling event proceeds to expanding media reach by 60%, I leveraged my expertise in external relations, my drive for success and excellence, my attention to detail, and my leadership skills to forge impactful partnerships and relationships, and to create compelling narratives that resonated with our community and stakeholders.Leading with a focus on generating systemic change to drive our community\'s wellbeing, I focus on revenue growth and brand awareness, resulting in a substantial growth in donations, web traffic, media exposure, partnerships and volunteers.