Kiki Chmielewski

Kiki Chmielewski is thrilled to be a part of the Flame Tree Initiative family. She comes to us with a background in non-profit fundraising, partnership development, and event planning. She studied International Affairs at the University of Georgia, where she developed an interest in non-profit work. Kiki spent time living internationally as a primary school teacher in Ghana and a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan, before she earned her Master's Degree in International Development from the University of Denver.

In her previous role with international organization, Build Change, she worked as the Development Manager, overseeing all fundraising and marketing activities. Kiki’s responsibilities included developing corporate partnerships, securing grants from private foundations, building relationships with individual donors, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and collaborating with team members around the world.

Kiki is the Lead, External Funding & Strategic Partnerships with Flame Tree Initiative. In this role, she is responsible for building relationships and securing funding from individuals, businesses, foundations, and institutions. Developing mutually beneficial partnerships that engage our partners will ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Flame Tree’s programs. Kiki will also be a part of the Leadership Team for the DELabs and counsel DEStudio Members on funding opportunities.  

Although Kiki grew up in Georgia, she has been enjoying life in Colorado since 2011. When she's not working, you can find her outside trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding and generally trying to keep up with her husband, Jeff.