In 2003, Carla Palmer started her journey with United Friends of the Children as a Career Counselor in the Pathways Housing Program. In that role, she supported emancipated homeless foster youth with career guidance, education planning, and job placement support. Skilled in external relationship building and management, Carla was promoted to Career Development Manager where she and her team provided career and education support, extensive work readiness training, job placement, internship opportunities, and life skills workshops to Pathways residents.

In 2017, Carla transitioned to UFC’s Development Team as Manager of Corporate and Community Engagement where she identified, developed, and maintained relationships in the corporate community that provided financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to UFC’s foster youth.

In Fall 2020, Carla accepted the role of Assistant Director of Development and in 2021 she was promoted to Director of Development. She oversees the design and execution of the agency’s event fundraising, individual giving, corporate engagement strategies, brand, and celebrity partnerships, along with NextGen Board support. She also supports the organization’s daily communication and marketing efforts.

Prior to joining United Friends of the Children, Carla worked in Student Affairs in UCLA’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Ph.D. division where she advised Ph.D. students on university policies and degree requirements, supported the university’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion admission and retention efforts, and served as the liaison for major corporations’ job and internship recruitment.

Carla holds a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, is a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy, and member of the UC Berkeley Alumni Association. She is a mom, fitness enthusiast, world traveler, and lover of great food and wine.