August 23rd 2024
Photo Credits: Rachel Bonilla
Food banks are a community food source and need to run efficiently to serve all its clients, FARSB CEO, Carolyn Fajardo, succeeds in doing just that. As she took on the massive task of surviving a global pandemic while striving to hit fundraising and stewardship goals, she might make her position seem easy.
But, as many successful individuals will tell you, things did not come as easy as it looks.
Fajardo’s story is one of resilience and determination, but with that also comes looming doubts, imposter syndrome, and blossoming fears of failure. However, having the courage to conquer those fears and doubts, and standing tall firmly rooted in her mission to alleviate hunger through community action and food insecurity awareness, she continues to bloom under any given circumstance.
Growing Within FARSB Organization
Carolyn Fajardo, born Carolyn Solar, is a Latina and the first in her family to earn a bachelor's degree. She graduated from California State University, San Bernardino, with a BA in Communications and began her career in food banking as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for FARSB. She later pursued her MBA at California Baptist University while advancing to the role of Development Director. Later, she was appointed CEO.
As the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Fajardo managed all of the food bank's branding and external communications, website design and upkeep, as well as story collection and media relations. Having mastered that role, she received the job offer for Development Director. In this position, she thrived as a relationship manager with donors, partners, and community members and handled fundraising, donor relations, and database management.
In 2022, at the age of 27, she became CEO. Aware that many of her staff members were older than her, she recognized that her age could be seen as a disadvantage. This awareness motivated her to work even harder to prove herself and demonstrate her capabilities.
Former CEO Stephanie Otero recognized Carolyn's potential as she advanced within the organization and instilled in her a renewed sense of purpose. This support inspired Carolyn to apply for the CEO position when Otero announced her departure.
Taking FARSB to New Heights
Fueled by determination, she rose to the occasion, with her initiatives delivering positive outcomes that dispelled any doubts about her abilities. As her vision for the organization took shape, she confidently stepped into her leadership role, consistently proving herself as a competent and assured leader.
At 29, Carolyn’s two-year journey is a powerful testament to the impact of her vision and dedication to transforming lives. As a dynamic CEO, Fajardo has made a significant impact on our community. Under her leadership, the once small federal CSFP program evolved into the food bank-led Senior Mobile Pantry Program (SMPP). Initially operating under a temporary MOU with another food bank and without a long-term plan, SMPP now serves over 2,500 seniors each month across both counties. Additionally, she spearheaded the expansion and acquisition of a second building, now functioning as a community resource center, propelling FARSB to new heights.
Having started at the entry level, Carolyn gained a perspective that few at the executive level possess. Understanding the work employees do, their responsibilities, and how these roles interconnect to create the greatest impact in the community is a key aspect of effective leadership.
"Everyone brings unique insights, whether they are managing logistics or engaging directly with the community," Fajardo explains. With this attitude, she has fostered a sense of community and camaraderie with her staff. From team-building exercises to help maintaining a healthy work-life balance, she nurtures and empowers her staff to grow as leaders.
She also cultivates a sense of community within the organization through Mission Moments, which are times when the staff come together to share positive encounters they've had with clients. These moments aim to inspire the team to continue their dedicated work by showing the difference being made in our community.
With a strong and effective team behind her, she leads FARSB into the future with expansion and growth in mind.
Flourishing New Facilities
As she took on the role of CEO at a crucial moment, amidst the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, her decisive leadership and fundraising efforts proved to be successful despite the odds. Under Carolyn’s leadership, the FARSB team expanded and purchased a new administrative building.
This expansion created opportunities to grow the team, add a Learning Center for community and partner educational programs, and establish an on-site client choice pantry set to open in late 2024. While the move presented challenges, such as relocating physical items and managing days-long internet outages, it provided immediate relief to the community and paved the way for sustainable growth in the future.
Crown Shyness
Innovation also plays a major role in her leadership style, as she pushes for the expansion of programs to meet the diverse needs of the community. FARSB moves forward with five major pillars to feed the Inland Empire: Feeding Seniors & Veterans, Feeding the Youth, Feeding with Healthcare, Feeding without Barriers, and Feeding through Partners. Under these five pillars, several programs aim to alleviate hunger at higher rates.
Each of these pillars grows together, expands as others do, and works together toward the same goal. Much like the phenomenon of “crown shyness” in trees, in which the tops of trees grow to the same height without even touching one another, these pillars ensure that each area has growth within it while allowing all areas to thrive and grow simultaneously. This growth pattern allows for sustainable growth over time with carefully planned expansion.
With the addition of programs like the Senior Mobile Pantry Program, which operates at multiple senior and community centers and serves over 2,500 senior residents each month across the IE, there have been strides for expansion of programs not in terms of sites of distribution but in pounds donated and distributed through Community Partners as well.
FARSB has a network of community partners that's over 200 strong, which aid in the distribution of food boxes through several hunger-relief programs. Now, with a set of partners, donors, and volunteers helping FARSB, they are prepared to tackle each obstacle in their mission of feeding the IE with Carolyn fiercely leading the way.
Message From the Board
Board member, Windsor Richmond, spoke with me about working with Fajardo, and she had this to say:
"Being a board member for the last 3 years, I have gotten to know Carolyn in many ways. In the last two years, she came in with her strategic vision and boundless dedication. She has reshaped the way the food bank operates and serves our community. She has aggressively sourced and secured an impressive stream of additional funding allowing us to expand our services, reach more families in need, and make an even greater impact on our community."
"Perhaps one of the most significant changes under her tenure is our new, centrally located administrative office," she continues. "This new location is not only more accessible but also possesses the resources and facilities that continue to enable us to serve our community more efficiently."
"We’re fortunate to be led by Carolyn. She is not just the CEO, but a true leader that rallies everyone towards the cause!"
Conclusion
Carolyn’s journey through the FARSB organization has been exponential, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a long road. From the budding days of getting her first interview to getting the official offer of CEO. She has flourished and brought all her colleagues along with her.
As she grows within her role, she is sure to nourish her staff, volunteers, and donors alike with her strong, but approachable, leadership style. Firmly planted in her role, she plans to continue her efforts to expand and continue serving her community through initiatives focused on equity and inclusion.
If you'd like to learn more about Carolyn's milestone or are a media partner wanting to schedule an interview, please get in touch with Communications Coordinator, Rachel Bonilla at Rbonilla@feedingamericaie.org.
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