Meet Fundraising Data Analyst Sydney Palomo
Why did you decide to come work for CASA? As an individual who holds deep passions for justice, equity, and public service, CASA of Tarrant County allows me to live out those values every day.
What is your professional and educational background? I hold a Bachelor of Music Education ('22) and Master of Music (24') from Texas Christian University. When I am not working full-time on the fundraising team, you can catch me teaching private voice lessons, adjudicating music competitions, or performing professionally at churches in the area!
What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I learned about CASA through my previous role working for a domestic violence agency in Tarrant County. I was always incredibly enamored with CASA's mission and ensuring that the children in shelter were as equally advocated for as the adults.
What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? The work culture at CASA of Tarrant County is always lively and optimistic. The staff at CASA make it a point to interact, build relationships, and rely on one another despite the heavy workloads and cases.
What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? In my short time at CASA of Tarrant County, I may not yet have seen the direct outcomes of my work, but I already understand that being part of this mission is a reward in itself. Knowing that every effort contributes to advocating for a child’s best interest — even behind the scenes — gives my work purpose and meaning.
Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. A special moment that I have felt lucky to be a part of is collaborating with the CASA of Tarrant County Fundraising team on North Texas Giving Day. We are receiving multiple donations everyday- reminding me that the community not only seeks to support CASA but be a part of the mission. Their gifts reflect a deep belief in our work and set a strong precedent of commitment to changing a child's story.
What would you say to a potential supporter? CASA of Tarrant County serves the most vulnerable members of our community - those who have experienced a level of trauma even most adults are unable to internalize of comprehend. Every child we advocate for deserves a voice in court, a safe home, and someone who is consistently in their corner. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone -Reinhold Niebuhr. Your support, whether through time, resources, or donations, changes the trajectory of a child's life.
Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Child abuse and neglect can go on to have lifelong consequences (mental, educational, social), and CASA helps to improve the overall wellbeing of individual children and the community as a whole.
Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? What you do is not easy — but it is truly extraordinary. You are planting seeds of hope, stability, trust, mentorship, and care. Never underestimate the profound power of your presence in a child’s life.