People

Jody joined the FCE team in 2020 and brings nearly 25 years’ experience in both the corporate sector and as a fundraising professional for large regional nonprofit organizations, where she oversaw all aspects of marketing and philanthropic engagement among key community stakeholders, donors, foundation and corporate partners, government entities and professional advisors to assure a lasting source of funds for the benefit of the capital area.

Traci started her position at UC Davis in 2015. In addition to managing a team of two, she focuses on working with faculty in the basic and biomedical sciences (Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine) to identify and pursue funding opportunities from non-governmental entities as well as building relationships with these foundations.

Robyn joined the FCE team in 2020, where she leverages her background in the small health, advocacy, education nonprofit world to identify opportunities for partnership between smaller and mid-size companies and UC Davis faculty, students, programs, and events to achieve shared goals.

Kimberly most recently worked as a development professional for City of Hope, a non-profit, comprehensive cancer center in Duarte CA. There, she managed various fundraising campaigns in support of cancer and diabetes research and treatment programs. Kimberly is a U.C. Berkeley alumna, class of 2008 and she earned her M.B.A. from Mills College in 2016.

Jamie Jordan joined the Foundation and Corporate Engagement Team in 2024. As Research and Analytical Strategist, Jamie is responsible for providing highly customized and strategic information in support of comprehensive corporate and foundation engagement efforts. She reports to Amy Skehan, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Foundation and Corporate Engagement.

Charlie joined the FCE team in 2019. Often serving as a direct liaison between industry partners and the University, he coordinates with colleagues to match unique UC Davis assets with emerging business needs and solutions. Charlie’s work involves connecting faculty, students and staff with our partners to achieve shared goals.

Hilary joined the FCE team in 2022 and provides support for various FCE projects and initiatives including support for prospect management.

Beverly Parayno is Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement in the School of Veterinary Medicine. She started in her role on October 26, 2023. She has over twenty years of development experience raising funds for nonprofits and universities, including Stanford University, The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), and University of the Pacific. 

Jen Prahl joined the FCE team in 2022. She’s been at UC Davis since 2017, working in the College of Biological Sciences and prior to that, the Office of Research. In her role, she works closely with faculty across campuses to gain a deeper understanding of their philanthropic priorities and to identify foundation partners to support students, research, and programs.

Alexandra Eller Schwarz is the Assistant Director of Corporate Engagement, where she helps create partnerships between companies and UC Davis. She  previously worked at PRIDE Industries—a nonprofit that creates employment for people with disabilities—and led their fundraising and marketing campaigns. Alexandra is also a proud UC Davis Alumna.