{"id":538,"date":"2025-09-27T20:18:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T20:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/childrenrising.org\/main\/?page_id=538"},"modified":"2025-09-28T14:07:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T14:07:50","slug":"gera-cortez","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/childrenrising.org\/main\/gera-cortez\/","title":{"rendered":"Gera Cortez"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Gera<\/figure>
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Gera Cortez<\/mark><\/strong> is the Executive Director and Board Member of Children Rising, having joined the organization three months ago. With over a decade of experience across various sectors, Gera leads strategic operations, program development, and funding initiatives. Her expertise lies in creating sustainable programs that empower families, particularly single mothers and children. Skilled in securing grants and fostering organizational growth, Gera is committed to driving impactful change with a results-oriented approach. She is dedicated to advancing Children Rising’s mission of building supportive and thriving communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Powertalk<\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What led you to join Children Rising?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

As a mom myself, I deeply resonate with Children Rising\u2019s mission. I\u2019ve experienced firsthand the challenges of raising a child while navigating my personal and professional goals. The saying,\u201cIt takes a village to raise a child,\u201d is a clich\u00e9 because it\u2019s true\u2014and I\u2019m thrilled to be part of this incredible village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is your primary role at Children Rising?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

I serve as the Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors. My role focuses on leading strategic operations as we revamp our organization and prepare to launch our pilot program. A key part of my work is securing funding to support our mission through grants.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What do you find most rewarding about your work here?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

The most rewarding part of my role is the people I work with. Our team is united by a shared vision of creating a nurturing community for mothers and children. In today\u2019s unpredictable world, children are among the most vulnerable, and offering them better living conditions and a sustainable future is both a privilege and a responsibility. It\u2019s not easy, but with such passionate, wise, and driven teammates, I know we\u2019re making meaningful progress.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What skills or unique perspectives do you bring to the team?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

As a young, first-time single mom, I bring a wealth of personal insight into the challenges our target community faces. This lived experience helps us design programs that are both impactful and empathetic. Additionally, with over a decade of professional experience in diverse environments, I am well-equipped to lay the foundation for our initiatives and fulfill my responsibilities as Executive Director.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How do you align with the organization\u2019s vision and mission?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

I love children and dream of a safe, sustainable community where all families can thrive. Children Rising\u2019s mission perfectly aligns with both my personal values and professional goals.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What inspires you about working with single mothers and their children?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

As a single mom myself, this work is deeply personal to me. It\u2019s an honor to contribute to an initiative where I can directly help others navigate the challenges I\u2019ve faced. I\u2019ve built a fulfilling life thanks to a strong support system, and I\u2019m passionate about creating the same opportunities for other mothers and their children.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s one lesson you\u2019ve learned from working with the community?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

Even in these early stages, I\u2019ve learned how vast the need is and how much of a difference we can make. It\u2019s both humbling and motivating.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s a challenge you\u2019ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome it?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

One challenge has been navigating time zone differences. By staying organized and prioritizing effective communication, I\u2019ve managed to collaborate seamlessly with the team while delivering my best work.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How do you see Children Rising impacting families in the long term?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

Our long-term vision is to empower families to become self-sufficient and sustainable. By providing holistic support, we hope they carry these lessons forward, creating a ripple effect that inspires and uplifts others in their communities.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to make a difference in this field?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

Start now. Everyone has great ideas and the desire to help, but often the hardest part is knowing where or how to begin. From my experience, start with small steps\u2014whether it\u2019s a conversation or reaching out to someone in the field. You can always reach out to me or fill out our contact form. Whatever it is, just start today!<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

If you could describe Children Rising in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

\u201cIt takes a village to raise a child, and Children Rising is one of those villages.\u201d <\/em> We aim to spark hope and empower mothers and children to aspire for a better life, no matter their circumstances.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fun Facts<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some interesting & fun facts about Gera Cortez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

Cooking and eating! Good food brings me joy, and cooking is my go-to therapy.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that keeps you motivated?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

\u201cLive a life worth living.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s one book, podcast, or resource you\u2019d recommend to others?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

I highly recommend The Alchemist<\/em>\u2014it\u2019s inspiring and transformative!<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If you could have dinner with anyone (living or historical), who would it be and why?<\/mark><\/summary>\n

This is tough because there are so many fascinating people! My first choice would probably be Shakespeare. I\u2019d love to get a glimpse into the mind behind such timeless creations.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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