Member Spotlight is on Carolyn Gonzalez

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Carolyn Gonzalez, has a degree in Communications from the University of Miami, with a double major in print journalism and Latin American Studies. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 18 years as a fundraiser and special events coordinator. As a fundraiser and special events coordinator, Carolyn has developed and implemented comprehensive fundraising programs that include special events, marketing, public relations, direct mail appeals, planned giving, grant writing, social media and more. She has coordinated special events for various organizations including the Taste of Santa Fe, the Taste of the Plateau, festivals, golf tournaments, auctions, galas, etc.

In 2009, Carolyn became a professional blogger and now has two blogs: Carolyn in Carolina and The Art of Random Willynillyness. Blogging has opened up various new opportunities for Carolyn in social media. She has worked with several brands as a brand ambassador and does social media consulting for small companies.

Let’s talk a little bit more with Carolyn.

Niche Mommy (NM): What influenced you to start blogging and why?
Carolyn Gonzalez (CG): I started blogging because one of my friends suggested that I tell my stories on a blog instead of emails or letters. I love writing and it was a new and exciting way for me to share my passion with the world! I actually had no idea what a blog was but now 4 years later, I have 2 blogs that are going strong.

NM: What was your greatest achievement in 2012?
CG: I was invited to Washington DC by LATISM as one of the Top Latina Bloggers in the US. That was exciting because it was nice to know that my blogs extended beyond the scope of where they started. Plus, it was an honor to be recognized.

NM: What’s on your 2013 bucket list?
CG: I would love to grow my blogs. I would also love to begin branching out into doing more social media consulting, public speaking and do more writing. I want to attend more conferences. I have started a book and would love to have it published.

NM: What is something you learned in the last week?
CG: I learned to filet a fish.

NM: What would you name the autobiography of your life?
CG: The Art of Random Willynillyness – yes just like my blog. My life is very random and willyn-nilly.

NM: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
CG: Retired and, hopefully, living in Costa Rica.

NM: Why did you join The Niche Mommy Network?
CG: I heard good things about it. I also wanted to start branching out and networking more than I had been doing

NM: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
CG: Play the piano.

NM: Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?
CG: Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek. Okay, I’m totally lying but I wish.

NM: When you have an hour of free time, how do you pass the time?
CG: Cooking or learning a new recipe.

NM: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
CG: Call a professional accountant so he/she could tell me how to handle my money.

NM: Where’s Waldo?
CG: He is living in Jamaica with Carmen Sandiego.