Joining the 11th Street Bridge Park: My Journey and Aspirations as Administrative & Engagement Assistant

My name is Natasha Kalitsi and I am joining the 11th Street Bridge Park team as their
Administrative & Engagement Assistant. I have worked in the nonprofit sector for over two years starting as a Communications & Development Associate at The Foundation Schools, a nonprofit school for students with emotional disabilities and autism. During my time there I had meaningful experiences working with my team to secure basic needs such as food, clothing, and toiletries for our low-income families, as well as fundraise to sustain our individualized special education programming. After two years there, I accepted a role as an Administrative & Communications Manager at Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative. GBCI worked to implement intergenerational programming for students in elementary to high school, as well as advocate for laws that promote equity in the Gaithersburg community. I was challenged to work with a new demographic and expand my skills in communications to promote their art, reading, and social justice initiatives. I learned so much through this position, however, I wanted to explore skills outside of communications while continuing to work in the nonprofit sector.

When I came across 11th Street Bridge Park, it piqued my interest for several reasons. First, the redevelopment of the old 11th Street bridge in Southeast Washington, DC sounded like an amazing opportunity to keep residents active, engaged in positive activities, and foster community. Outside of my nonprofit and communications work, I am an avid lover of the arts and grew up participating in several local choirs, sports teams, and afterschool programs. I recognize the importance of having programs that are accessible, especially for underserved communities, and its impact on our social-emotional development. Most importantly, I respected their efforts to build the bridge with a focus on equity, providing affordable housing, workforce training, and small business initiatives to surrounding communities. While developments like these add amazing value to underserved cities, it’s no secret that they can also lead to the outpricing and displacement of residents who live near them. It was wonderful to see the steps they are taking to protect Ward 8 residents who have lived there for generations and displays the care that they have for the community. As I’ve worked in organizations who serve populations who are majority people of color/African American, it was also great to work with a community that I have worked with frequently throughout my career and that I’m proud to be apart of. I am thrilled to continue to develop as a nonprofit professional at this amazing organization.

My first month has already been filled with many exciting tasks. I’ve helped with the Winter
Wonderland event, distributing holiday gifts, bikes, and treats to Ward 8 resident;, I am expanding my administrative skills and enjoying my time with the team. I look forward to see what the rest of the year has in store!