We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Alverdi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
In 2009 I was led to start helping my community by servicing the aged out foster youth. The Antelope Valley was being inundated with this population and the resources were few.
Not only was I an ear and shoulder for these young adults but a resource that would connect them to their future selves.
I knew coming into the nonprofit world that this would not be easy but I never imagined how complex and life changing it would be for me personally.
The misconceptions of the nonprofit world are many but the one that seems to be the most popular when I get an opportunity to ask people is that they think the ones getting the services are the ones affected the most (positively or negatively). I’m a living example that it works both ways.
Putting my family time aside and literally being “open” 24/7 to meet the needs of others is not for the weak.
But it is a choice. Unfortunately tragedy is not scheduled and doesn’t happen 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
I began the nonprofit journey in 2009 and was issued a nonprofit status in 2014. I am the CEO of this nonprofit and it was the most life transforming and difficult decision I’ve ever had to make.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I live in 2 worlds. In my first world I am a professional Event Planner, Coordinator, and certified Interior Decorator & Home Stager. In the second I am the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization. Creating lasting and beautiful memories and helping people is my passion!

My business and the non-profit organization were created around the same time so I spent the first 5 years trying to figure out how to marry the two professions so that I wouldn’t abandon one to work the other. Though it has been a challenge, I have been able to incorporate both my passions without compromising skill or quality.
With the help of my team, we have been able to find ways to create events that would benefit the NPO financially and socially. Networking is a huge part of the success in the non-profit world. Relationship building helps establish trust and a strong foundation when it comes to fundraising. Finding this out came after years of trial and error. Fundraising to a community with no relationship or connection was useless. I joined networking groups, the Chamber of Commerce, and attended a ton of local grand openings to help build our name. The marketplace is and has definitely been a huge contributor to our success.

Throughout this entire journey I found that I am resilient and quite tenacious! Giving up has been offered many times with words like “Maybe this isn’t for you. I’m sure there’s something else out there. At least you tried.” But to be honest, when the doors look like they’re shutting down, I always seem to get a second wind of wisdom and strength and the vision as to why I started comes back and sets me right back where I left off.

For fifteen years I have been able to serve my community as an asset of resources. I am a connector and a mentor. I connect people with resources, ideas, the marketplace, and awareness. The community we get to serve are, at risk families, sex trafficking victims, single parents, aged-out foster youth and widows in our community.

God has been so gracious to me, always giving me what I need and not what I deserve. I pray that I may be able to continue my work in both arenas while sharing my love and passion for both people and events.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a very small community in the high dessert so entertainment can be a bit limited at times. But I do have to say that what it does offer is worth visiting.

The first few days would be spent on The BLVD in Lancaster. This strip is filled with restaurants, small shops, cafe’s and bakeries.

Monday -Brunch at a little hidden gem called La Papillon. Taking a walk and visiting Pretty Little Poppy Marketplace for some local vendor shopping and ending our afternoon with some delicious frozen custard at Zero Degrees Custard & Ice.

Tuesday- Back on The BLVD for Taco Tuesdays at Don Sal’s. Followed by Underground Bowling right next door where we can enjoy appetizers and drinks.

Wednesday – After visiting the POPPY RESERVE and spending the afternoon taking pictures with our National State Flower, the Poppy,we go back to the BLVD for dinner and a movie or show. Rio Brazilian has a phenomenal fusion menu. Then off to watch a movie at REGENCY CINEMAS and ending our night at ZELDA’S 750 West for live entertainment & cocktails.

Thursday – Late lunch or early dinner at XEVICHEZ PALMDALE to enjoy $12 Fresh Sushi Rolls. Then off to GENRATIONS COFFEE for a delicious drink, pastry and board games!

Friday – Breakfast at Jackie’s Cafe in Lancaster to eat their famous Eggs Benedict with Asparagus. Visit the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve to walk off all of the weeks indulgencies and maybe catch sight of a few birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Saturday – If it’s summertime, we will spend the day at DRY TOWN to get some sun and enjoy the waterslides! We will have dinner at the WAFFLE HOUSE in Palmdale for their famous Pizza and of course Waffles (who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?)

Sunday – We will have fellowship at Greater Works Christian Church. Our lunch destination will be back on The BLVD to enjoy a healthy lunch at Modern Tea Room. Their vegan and not so vegan menu is one for the books! Their tea and drink menu is so delicious and unique.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My entire success in life is dedicated to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
My business coaching comes from the Bible.
I also have a mentor, Linda Enos, that I connect with during the week that assists me with decisions, emotions, and my occasional breakdowns.
My mother, Leonila Robledo, has been my biggest cheerleader and rock all my life.
This is my Dream Team and I couldn’t do anything worth doing without them.

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Image Credits
Image Credits: Integrity Events & Photography

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