Nonprofit consultant | people operations | ACCOUNT MANAGER

Diana Cardona

Who is Diana Cardona?

I am a dynamic leader and seasoned People Operations professional with a deep-rooted passion for building organizations that are not only effective—but equitable, transparent, and deeply human.I have an extensive background spanning nonprofit leadership, finance, and operations, but I thrive at the intersection of structure and soul, where strategic systems meet the real needs of people.I bring clarity to complexity, designing organizational frameworks that promote accountability, foster trust, and empower teams to do their best work.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

One of the biggest misconceptions is that nonprofit professionals are not techy...and that could not be further from the truth.The truth is that nonprofit professionals need tech solutions that save time and effort because they are often wearing multiple hats. The problem is that they don't know what tools are out there, they are stuck in their own cycle and rarely get to adopt new systems that would enable them to innovate more.I believe technology should make life easier for nonprofit teams—not more complicated. I’ve seen how the right systems can completely change how an organization functions, not just by saving time but by creating real clarity and accountability, and not just internally.An organization with a well functioning CRM, website, fundraising, and event management system can focus on their growth full-time. They can optimize their time and energy because they have a reliable tool that helps them track their progress and retention.It matters to me that the tools actually work for the people using them and that the organization feels comfortable envisioning their overall operations using the system efficiently.I’ve worked in nonprofits long enough to know that many teams are overworked and juggling too much. So when I help implement a CRM or any kind of system, my goal is always to make it intuitive, useful, and aligned with how people and the organization actually works—not how someone thinks they should work. At the end of the day, I want tech to empower people, not overwhelm them.

Account management

"I make a strong Account Manager because I really understand how to build trust and manage relationships in a way that feels both strategic and human.I’ve worked with boards, clients, and partners who all had different priorities, and I’ve learned how to navigate those dynamics with clarity, empathy, and a focus on results.I am a skilled communicator, and I am able to establish connections and trust through transparency and accountability."

  • Systems-minded: Spearheaded operational improvements across multiple organizations by designing internal systems, SOPs, and workflows that enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

  • Client support: Served as the primary liaison for member organizations, sponsors, and board leaders—providing high-touch client service while managing competing priorities and strategic deliverables.

  • Adaptive to change: Navigated complex leadership transitions, cultural shifts, and organizational restructures by staying grounded, solution-focused, and responsive to emerging needs.

  • Cross-functional collaboration & training: Led cross-departmental teams through new system implementations and organizational change, delivering tailored staff training to ensure alignment, buy-in, and long-term success.

Leadership

"I’ve always seen leadership as something you do with people, not to them. In every role I’ve had, whether I was overseeing operations, managing teams, or stepping into an interim executive position, I’ve focused on creating clarity, building trust, and making sure people feel supported, not micromanaged.I believe in communicating clearly, setting thoughtful expectations, and always following through.Trusting in your team and in that you're all in it together makes all the difference!"

  • Collaboration with Board of Directors through transparency, valuing input and ideas and executing vision.

  • Coached staff through professional growth, role clarity, and strategic alignment, ensuring each team member understood their value and goals.

  • Adaptive to change when it came to succession in leadership and strategic plan pivots and objectives.

  • Provide insights on company financial direction, viability, and needs analysis for improvement.

CRM Skills

"I have extensive experience with CRM systems, including vetting platforms to meet operational needs, leading implementation, training staff, and establishing customized workflows that support both internal operations and member engagement. I'm skilled in managing data exports, conducting analysis to inform strategy, and ensuring data integrity across systems.I’ve worked with a variety of CRMs and pride myself on being highly adaptable—quickly assessing each platform’s strengths and limitations to ensure it aligns with the organization's goals and user needs."

  • CRM Systems experience include the following technologies: iMIS, YourMembership.com, MemberMax, MemberClicks, WildApricot, Raisers Edge

  • Conducted in depth needs analysis to ensure CRM tool could help accomplish mission-driven organization goals.

  • Developed and completed CRM data mapping templates, ensuring all historical and operational data was accurately structured for migration.

  • I helped identify necessary fields, clean data, and align source formats with system requirements to support a smooth and effective CRM launch.

  • Led teams by establishing clear workflows in new system.

  • Trained teams on system navigation, data entry best practices, and the importance of maintaining data integrity.

Data analysis

"I have strong data analysis skills that I use to inform decision-making and drive operational improvements. I’m comfortable translating raw data into clear insights, building reports, and identifying trends that support both strategic planning and day-to-day efficiencies."

  • Skilled in pulling and analyzing data to identify patterns, inform strategy, and optimize systems.

  • Adept at using Excel, CRM exports, and survey data to create dashboards and summary reports.

  • Translate complex data into clear visuals and actionable insights for teams and leadership.

Human resources

"I bring a strong HR foundation with hands-on experience in employee relations, compliance, onboarding, and performance management. I’m especially focused on building transparent systems, fostering team cohesion, and aligning people strategies with organizational goals."

  • Experienced in building and updating HR policies, managing employee files, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

  • Skilled in resolving employee concerns with professionalism, empathy, and a solutions-oriented approach.

  • Led onboarding processes, including job descriptions, interviews, and orientation.

  • Experienced with HRIS systems, processing payroll, 401K administration, HSA contributions, and benefit management.