Kim Okamura
Kim Okamura comes to Angel Flight West as the newest grant writer! Kim started with AFW in April 2019 after she heard about the opportunity through a friend who previously worked with Mary Hunter, AFW’s Director of Development. Kim joined AFW after a career as a professional ballet dancer and then in grant writing and administration with other arts nonprofits. This is her first time away from the arts, but with her lifelong passion for aviation (she self-identifies as a jet geek and is married to a Delta pilot!) and for AFW’s mission, it was a natural transition. Kim has always enjoyed writing and has been a lifelong supporter of nonprofits, so using her skills to see positive returns has been very satisfying.
Isabel Sotomayor
Angel Flight West welcomes back Isabel Sotomayor to the Mission Operations team! Isabel first joined AFW as a Mission Operations Coordinator in September 2015. After her first year she moved out of the country for a couple months and worked remotely doing technical writing work for AFW. She came back and worked in Development in preparation for the 2017 Endeavor Awards, and then in Mission Operations for the summer. After two years away Isabel is back for good in Mission Operations and is thrilled to be back! Associate Executive Director Cheri Cimmarrusti says, “When an opening became available, we were thrilled to learn that Isabel was able to re-join our team.” Isabel is a Los Angeles native who spent four years studying at The American University of Paris to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Isabel is passionate about helping others in need, and loves getting to work with like-minded people every day!
Erin Gagneau
Angel Flight West is sad to say goodbye to Erin Gagneau! Erin joined AFW in January 2019 as a volunteer intern and came on as a full time, temporary staff person in May 2019. Erin has been a significant help to the Mission Operations team throughout the busy summer season (AFW coordinates over 700 camp missions during the summer). Having no prior experience working with nonprofits, Erin is grateful for the opportunity and for the staff for being so welcoming as she entered the “real world” from college. Erin graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Administration this summer. She enjoyed getting to see the difference Angel Flight West makes in passengers’ lives and plans to continue to volunteer for other nonprofits in the future. AFW wishes Erin the best in all her future endeavors!
