From time to time we will profile members of the Give Lively team, revealing more about who we are, what we do and how we fit into a mix of dedicated and dynamic engineers, creatives, strategists and advocates helping nonprofits do more with digital fundraising tools.

Like the person who is the focus of this week’s profile, the full Give Lively team is passionate about using tech for social good and providing a better fundraising experience to nonprofits and donors.

Sonia Leone

What do you do at Give Lively?

As the Creative Director, I collaborate with our team to craft design solutions that enhance Give Lively’s visibility and amplify our capacity to connect on a large scale. I help shape and uphold our visual brand identity, effectively conveying our offerings and messaging through diverse channels while spearheading initiatives that drive our company's objectives forward.

What does a day in your life at Give Lively look like?

My days usually kick off with some strategic planning. I find it beneficial to reflect on the previous day's accomplishments and assess the progress made toward both overarching goals and smaller tasks.

Then, throughout the day, given that we operate as a remote team, I prioritize regular check-ins to ensure we remain aligned on our objectives, fostering open communication to discuss our advancements verbally. These are good moments for engaging in enjoyable brainstorming sessions and sketching out ideas to fuel our projects.

I also put effort into drawing inspiration from various websites, keeping abreast of emerging trends in the design, nonprofit and tech sectors. In addition, time is dedicated to researching innovative tools and software that could streamline our operations and enhance our efficiency. 

Finally, I'm often involved in reviewing and approving visuals, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic is maintained across all platforms. And, from time to time, I find myself troubleshooting issues on our website and collaborating closely with our web developer. It's all part of the dynamic and fulfilling journey of contributing to Give Lively's mission.

What do you like to do outside of Give Lively?

Outside of Give Lively, I'm all about embracing my creative side and exploring different interests. Whether I'm producing a podcast where I interview Spanish-speaking female creative professionals, diving into leatherwork or sketching out a handbag design, I just love seeing ideas come to life.

And let me tell you, life got a whole lot more exciting in February 2023 when I became a mom! It's been a wild and wonderful ride, spending quality time with my little one and my husband. We're all about simple pleasures, like taking leisurely strolls, trying out new restaurants and having friends over.

I currently live in the Atlanta area, but as I’m originally from Venezuela, I'm always down for a trip back home to catch up with family. I also love planning adventures to new and exciting destinations. It’s all about making memories wherever I go.

What excites you about Give Lively?

What excites me most about Give Lively is witnessing its remarkable growth. Six years ago, when I first joined the team as a contractor tasked with creating a single animated video to promote the platform, I never could have imagined the journey ahead. One project led to another and I was increasingly inspired by Give Lively's mission of providing a free fundraising platform for nonprofits.

Moreover, I feel incredibly grateful to collaborate with such a talented and supportive team. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. Together, we share a common commitment to our work, and the supportive environment fosters an atmosphere of creativity and growth.