La Mesa Colectiva empowers small nonprofits just starting out — helping them build strategic partnerships, market their mission, and create events that move communities.
Our Services Let's TalkOur Story
Karen is the founder and CEO of La Mesa Colectiva, a strategic consulting firm rooted in the belief that every nonprofit — no matter how small or how new — deserves access to the tools, strategy, and support they need to thrive. Based in the SF Bay Area, Karen specializes in working with small Latiné-led and Latiné-serving organizations just beginning their journey, helping them build the communications, partnerships, and community presence to make lasting impact.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning the nonprofit, tech, and financial sectors, Karen brings a rare combination of corporate rigor and community heart to her work. She has led high-stakes fundraising events — including the Center for Excellence in Nonprofits' 30th Anniversary "Shining Bright Benefit," where she achieved 100% of fundraising goals through strategic communications and sponsor partnerships. At Sunnyvale Community Services, her communications strategy delivered a 300% ROI on seasonal newsletters and helped align the organization's brand with its core equity-centered values.
Karen founded La Mesa Colectiva from a deeply personal conviction: that the Latiné nonprofit community deserves a consultant who understands both the complexity of organizational strategy and the cultural nuance of the communities they serve. Juntos construimos — together we build — is not just a tagline. It is the philosophy behind every partnership, every strategy session, and every event she helps bring to life.
Comunidad First — Every strategy we build centers the people it serves.
Cultural Intelligence — Deep fluency in Latino markets, traditions, and nuance.
Collective Power — We believe in collaboration over competition.
What We Offer
Built for small nonprofits just getting started. Whether you need your first partnership, a marketing strategy, or a community event — we have the tools to help you launch with confidence.
Identify, build, and nurture partnerships that amplify your mission — from cross-sector alliances to funder relationships and coalition-building.
Develop frameworks for sustainable collaboration — shared goals, clear agreements, and mutual accountability structures that endure.
Tell your story in ways that move people. We craft culturally resonant campaigns, messaging, and content strategies for nonprofits.
Reach Latino and underserved communities authentically — bilingual outreach, community-centered design, and trust-building strategies.
From community gatherings to fundraising galas, we help small nonprofits plan and execute meaningful events that raise visibility, build relationships, and drive impact.
Let's Talk
Whether you're building your leadership team, forging new partnerships, or reaching the communities you serve — La Mesa is open. Let's talk.
Emailhola@lamesacolectiva.com
Phone(650) 262-6920
LocationSF Bay Area · Serving clients nationwide