The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation is pleased to welcome Renee Smith as our new Fundraising and Operations Coordinator!

Renee joined MDF in April 2024 and brings a wealth of knowledge in creating effective business processes. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Her education in Social Science Studies and Fine Arts has provided her with distinctive problem solving and adaptation skills. She brings an earnest passion for streamlining procedures and improving quality of service to this role.

Growing up, Renee lived in Okinawa, Japan, where she worked on diverse international teams. Prior to joining MDF, she supported non profit work for individuals impacted by human trafficking, including MISSSEY. In these roles, Renee discovered her enthusiasm for serving and connecting communities and a passion for trauma informed community care. Throughout her career, she consistently sought out similar roles within community first organizations which led her to MDF!

Since joining MDF, Renee has taken the initiative to assess and improve procedures which bolster fundraising initiatives and reduce administrative burdens for our team. She plans to continue implementing equitable strategies to empower our community and is excited to support our grassroots fundraisers alongside our new Director of Development, Scarlett Chidgey! Renee shares that the warmth and hope shared by the DM community fuels her work.

At her Bay Area residence, Renee spends her free time honing her artistic craft in oil painting! She enjoys recreating Baroque paintings with her dog, Ciruis, and her cat, Artemis, by her side.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome Renee Smith as our new Fundraising and Operations Coordinator!