Gia S. Casteel-Brown

Why do you do what you do? What drew you to the foundation?

I do what I do because people need help remembering that “all men were created equal,” that “no one person is better than the next,” that “in helping one another, we help ourselves.” My aunt worked here years ago, and I would ride to work with her each day. I would hear her talk about the work being done then — nothing compared to now — and I knew that one day I wanted to be a part of somewhere that did work helping others. I never imagined that I would have the privilege of working here. I’m grateful to my CEO for bringing me with him on his professional journey.

How would you describe your role?

The responsibilities of my role call for support to the CEO in managing his schedules, preparing appropriate documentation for meetings, maintaining and managing relationships between the CEO and management, staff, board of trustees, private organizations, city officials, donors and grantees. In doing so, this allows our CEO to execute his duties and carry out the equity agenda more efficiently. My role is also the liaison to the Board of Trustees.