Strong food systems organizations depend on people who can connect a compelling mission with the relationships and resources needed to sustain it.

As Food Access LA welcomed a new Director of Development and Communications, the organization invested in coaching to support her transition and advance its development goals. The engagement created dedicated space for strategic planning, leadership growth, and collaboration with the Executive Director.

Edible Origins developed a six-month coaching engagement that paired individual sessions with joint conversations involving the Executive Director. Together, these sessions connected professional development with organizational priorities across four areas:

• Donor engagement: Developing an approach to fundraising grounded in meaningful relationships, shared values, and a clear articulation of the organization’s impact.

• Fundraising strategy: Clarifying prospective donor profiles, exploring major-gift opportunities, and developing an annual fundraising roadmap.

• Collaborative leadership: Strengthening delegation, clarifying responsibilities, and supporting effective collaboration with committees and interns.

• Inclusive participation: Exploring membership approaches that welcome supporters across income levels and recognize multiple ways to contribute.

The coaching brings leadership development and fundraising planning into the same conversation. It provides a structured setting to translate ideas into practical tools, assess opportunities, and coordinate next steps with executive leadership.

The work focuses on building fundraising practices and collaborative systems that can continue to serve Food Access LA beyond the coaching engagement.

Investing in leadership is an investment in an organization’s ability to deliver its mission. By supporting the people who build partnerships, engage supporters, and mobilize resources, Food Access LA is strengthening its capacity to advance food access across Los Angeles.