Vienna Christensen

About Vienna Christensen

I am passionate about community development and working to find sustainable solutions to contemporary social problems. Through my cross-cultural upbringing and past experiences, I have developed a deep commitment to learning how to cultivate culturally relevant and holistic ways to address the needs of at-risk human populations.I have engaged with numerous people groups and cultures in over 20 nations. These experiences have cultivated a desire in me to empower at-risk people to be a part of solutions to the social problems that they face. My life mission is to continue to engage in the processes required to address these issues and to train leaders who are dedicated to and capable of strategizing innovative new answers to social problems.I thrive in teams that allow for the collaboration of different strengths and backgrounds in order to produce effective results. I am convinced that difference does not necessitate conflict and that it is actually necessary for the health and effectiveness of any team. Diverse perspectives and experiences are crucial to the process of addressing social issues in a meaningful and sustainable manner. I seek to consistently recognize and elevate unheard voices in my work.

Experience

1. Outreach Manager

   World Relief Western Washington

   Jul 2022 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   People Mobilization - Manage the Volunteer Coordinator Team who work alongside refugees, immigrants, and hundreds of local volunteers to build mutually transformative relationships- Reach out to area churches and community organizations to communicate the work of World Relief and mobilize them for volunteerism, fundraising, and advocacy- Maintain regular communication with church and community partners by conducting ongoing partner updates, appreciation, and recognition- Maintain up-to-date records of partnership information and activities; enter data regularly into database and submit reports on a regular schedule- Facilitate Outreach Team meetings, staff check-ins, professional development, training, and change management for a team of about 10 individuals- Help coordinate communication and programs between direct service staff, volunteers, and outreach staff.Fundraising & Communications - Develop relationships that secure financial, in-kind, and social capital resources from churches and individuals to support WRWW programs and communities- Raise a portion of the yearly fundraising goal through church giving, in collaboration with the Development Team- Engage in and support the work of the Development Team to fundraise, manage communications, host events, and engage donors- Assist in fundraising/friend-raising events including SEA TRI KAN, the We Belong Gala, Volunteer Appreciation events, and other community speaking engagements- Support and oversee outreach-related grants, including the Refugee Youth Mentor Program and others as they become available- Coordinate outward communication between participant communities and the general public via online and print publications- Participate and coordinate public speaking and teaching with program participants and on behalf of WRWW programs.

Education

• Azusa Pacific University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology and Honors Humanities

  2017 — 2020