In her role as Director of Development, Carmela Carreno leads efforts to expand Safe Parking LA’s base of support and cultivate authentic, lasting relationships that advance the organization’s mission. Her fundraising philosophy is grounded in community-centered principles of equity, social justice, and human dignity. Carmela views every participant in the organization’s growth—whether past beneficiary, volunteer, staff member, donor, or board member—as an equal partner in creating change.
Since joining Safe Parking LA in 2022, Carmela has drawn on more than 20 years of nonprofit experience with organizations advancing equity, civic engagement, and poverty alleviation—including United Way of Santa Barbara County, Just Communities Central Coast, Transition House, the League of Women Voters, and the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Veritus Scholar, Carmela serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter and is active in civic life through her church, PTSA, and various community organizations. Her volunteer and consulting work has supported groups focused on tenants’ rights, voter education, immigration reform, human trafficking, and economic justice—leveraging her fundraising expertise to strengthen the capacity of grassroots movements.
Carmela believes deeply in the vital role nonprofits serve in building healthier communities and advancing social change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara, as well as a certificate in project management from UCSB Extension. A proud extrovert, she’s happiest when she’s out and about with people—especially her daughter, Sasha, her sons, Alex and Nico, and her partner, Nick.