Welcome Ashika Raval – Our New Collective Impact Program Specialist
Kristin duBay Horton took some time to interview the newest Mission Capital employee. Ashika Raval will be putting her MSW to the test as we work to do true Collective Impact work in both of Good Measure and Child Welfare portfolios. Learn why Kristin is so excited to bring on this amazing woman who will help us ensure our work is driven by data and led by those who we serve.
Why did you apply for the Collective Impact Program Specialist role?
I was at a point where I was completing my master’s and my placement in leadership Austin simultaneously. As much as I loved direct service, I wanted to make a bigger impact, to take that step further. When I saw the job posting I felt that by working for a non-profit that is supporting multiple organizations and missions throughout Austin. Good Measure touches so many organizations. I knew it was time to take that next step. Everything I wanted to try out next was here.
How has your first week been at Mission Capital?
Been going well because I realize that I need to be open to learning everything, new things, new structures. This week I’ve dedicated to learning the Good Measure side of the job. Learning a new organization, new colleagues, new ways of working. Everyone has been so welcoming.
Where are you from originally?
All over North Carolina. I lived in Raleigh, Charlotte and in Asheville – the Blue Ridge Mountains, I have moved around a bit. I had never been to Texas before, but moved to Austin to join AmeriCorps. Regardless of where I live, I visit and spend a lot of time back with my family in N.C., I spent a lot of time with them when quarantining started. It was cool living with my brother and parents again as an adult – we quickly fell back into patterns of our youth.
What new things have you added to your life during COVID?
When COVID hit – it was like we were never prepared for a pandemic. All of a sudden we were alone at home. To cope I focused on doing more of what I was already doing, and really enjoyed. I always liked being outside – but now I do it even more. I already liked reading books and playing my ukulele, so now I read and play even more! It was really an opportunity for me to dive in deeper into all my passions.
Do you have any pets?
My dog Hazle (short for Hazlenut) but pronounced HasLEE. I got her when I was 18, living in the Mountains of North Carolina. She’s a service dog and probably has been on more flights than a lot of people. We are totally in tune with each other. She’s a shitzu, terrier, dalmation mix. She has the spots on her paws and face, and a brindle coat (like a terrier) and her face is all shitzu. She loves that I’m home all the time. I can’t imagine a life where I can’t have her with me all day. She’s a certified support animal and so even before covid she came everywhere with me.
Post COVID what are you most excited to do?
I want to be able to talk to strangers and go to restaurants and chat it up with the servers. I miss the random conversations that used to happen everywhere. Austin is a great place to encounter interesting people from all walks of life.