The world of cosmetics can be a place that seems very vain. Surgery, filler, botox, threads! However, what do we get when we combine philanthropy with cosmetic procedures? We get the organization Fresh Start Caring For Kids non profit organization. Today we are so happy have a conversation with Dr. Utica J. Gray the National Director of this noble organization. 100% of donated funds goes to children in need of life altering cosmetic surgery. In this episode Dr. Gray tells us how she got her start in the non-profit world and how it led her to lead this organization which partners hospitals with plastic surgeons and nurses to do pro-bono surgery for these underprivileged children. If you are looking for a place to align with your love of aesthetics, we think that this is a great organization to look into when thinking about your charitable contributions.
Website: http://www.freshstartkids.org/
About Our Guest
Utica J. Gray, PhD, MSHSA, BA – National Director
Dr. Utica J. Gray serves as National Director for Fresh Start Caring For Kids. In this role, Dr. Gray is responsible for the expansion of the Surgery Weekend model to the Chicago area; the San Antonio, Texas area; and a third site to be determined in the future. Dr. Gray manages the implementation of the strategic goals and objectives of Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation; provides direction and leadership for the organization; and serves as its community spokesperson.
Dr. Gray has 20 years of nonprofit development experience in the areas of developmental disabilities, adoption, homelessness, education, senior services, and healthcare and is well-versed in securing funding from individual, foundation, and government sources. She is experienced in nonprofit mergers, strategic planning, leadership, and management. Dr. Gray is a graduate of Northwestern University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Science in Human Services Administration from Spertus College, and a PhD in Business Administration with a Public Administration concentration from Northcentral University. The focus of her dissertation was the role of government funding, organizational age, and benefits to organizations as they pertain to nonprofit mergers during recessionary times.
Dr. Gray lives with her husband, 15-year-old daughter, and 13-year-old son in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, where she is a Girl Scout Troop leader focusing her group on projects ranging from cyberbullying to the dangers of sex trafficking. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., the same sorority to which Vice President Kamala Harris belongs.