Merria Velasco

With nearly 20 years experience working in education, arts, and human services nonprofits, Merria joined Friends In Deed as the first ever Development staff member in 2021. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive, although started her career as an auditor at KPMG after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Merria is the President of the Board of Directors at Boojum Institute for Experiential Outdoor Education. In her spare time, Merria loves being a Jazzercise dance fitness instructor, visiting friends around the country, and spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys activities like gardening, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors with her wildland firefighter husband – especially in the mountain town of Idyllwild where she lived for 5 years.

https://friendsindeedpas.org/merrias-story-always-a-cheerleader/