Yes, celebrating!
With what would have been 50 years in the workforce in 2026, it’s time to turn the page to the next chapter. I’m officially announcing my retirement and the retirement of my trusted consultancy, Geranda Projects.
1976
As a 1976 Lincoln High School, Yonkers (!) graduate — as our country was preparing for its bicentennial, I got my first full time job at Con Edison in NYC. I didn’t want to go to college (at that time in my life), so my grandfather who had close to 50 years of service at Con Ed recommended me for an administrative assistant job in Con Ed’s Community Relations/Public Affairs Department on Irving Place/14th Street and I got it.
1982
I take pride in saying I grew up there, learning from the best of the best. They were family, attended my first wedding in 1979, celebrated the birth of my son Matthew in 1982, and were there for me when that marriage ended in 1984. My mentors embraced my situation and encouraged me to take advantage of Con Ed’s tuition assistance program and enroll in college. The only way I could do that was with a strong support system, and that I had – la familia. My grandmother (grandpa, sadly passed away unexpectedly in 1984), my parents, and two younger brothers helped, babysat and were always there for me as I embarked on this journey.
1992
I achieved my associate’s degree from Elizabeth Seton College in 1992 (now Iona University) which took close to five years as I had to do part-time. As a single working mom, I had to divide my time generously. Then I discovered Concordia College’s accelerated degree program and capitalized on that. Again, with a great support system, I achieved that goal and completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1994.
This enabled me to move up the corporate ladder at Con Ed, serving as a Budget Analyst, then Public Affairs Manager. Capitalizing on corporate and nonprofit partnerships, I promoted the company through cause-related marketing initiatives and coordinated community relations events. I managed Con Edison’s annual corporate contributions program and budget, served as a media relations duty officer and served as rumor control/press phone liaison for the FEMA-Indian Point Emergency Response Team.
1996
In 1994, I met Joe Miranda, the love of my life. We married in 1996 – another milestone this year! and moved from Yonkers/Mt. Vernon to Peekskill in 1998. Still commuting to Con Ed in NYC, I enrolled in Pace University’s MPA program in 1999. While in pursuit, I knew it was time for a change.
2000
After 24 years at Con Ed, serving on boards, meeting hundreds of glorious nonprofit organizations, I knew I wanted to work in Westchester and took the chance. In 2000, just after the turn of the century (!) I transferred my skill set and found the perfect job, transitioning to the nonprofit sector – Director of Development for Hudson Valley Hospital Center, now NY-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital.
2003
Two and a half years later I moved on to St. Agnes Hospital’s Children’s Rehabilitation Center (now Elizabeth Seton) as its Director of Development and Public Relations. I was in the last year of my master’s studies, prepared my thesis and achieved my Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Pace University in 2003.
2005
I still yearned for growth and in 2005 landed the job as Director of Hudson Valley Development for the Salvation Army, a newly created position. I had the opportunity to promote fundraising and awareness in the seven counties in Hudson Valley, working closely with the Army’s corps officers and the county boards. This coincided with the birth of my beautiful granddaughter, Brianna Marie. Simultaneously, I began my tenure as an Adjunct Professor in Pace’s Media and Communications Department and SUNY Purchase’s Fundraising Certificate Program.
2010-2012
I also served as an independent associate with Danosky & Associates, consultants in Philanthropic Engagement.
My extensive integrated experience enabled me to lead development teams – regionally and locally – implement visionary plans to empower boards, increase financial support and community awareness, build relationships with key stakeholders and plan and orchestrate special events. I moved on to enhance my portfolio in the Hudson Valley and served as Director of Development for Family Health Services-Dominican Sisters, and was a member of so many wonderful organizations along the way: the Business Council of Westchester, the Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce where I spearheaded the creation of its Nonprofit Council in 2009, and the Association of Development Officers . As a long time board member, I was elected to serve as Co-President from 2010-2012.
2012
With my diversified experience in corporate public affairs, academia, volunteer leadership, and nonprofit management, I founded Geranda Projects LLC, Management Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations in 2012.
2014
I served as part-time Director of Development for the Women’s Enterprise Development Center, and was also a member of the Circolo da Vinci, Grant Professionals of Lower Hudson, Peekskill Rotary, Networking Professionals of Westchester, and the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber. I chaired its Nonprofit Committee for nine years, and enjoyed many great presentations over the years, complete with our “Coffee and Conversations” throughout the pandemic. I’ve been a founding board member of the Foundation of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Foundation since its inception in 2018 and now proudly serve as it’s chair since 2023.
2026
I thank God for a most supportive husband, a wonderful family and so many, many beautiful friends, I have met throughout my career, my associations, my volunteer activities and those I have met through love for music and dancing. I have been blessed.
As I reflect on the past 50 years, I want to say thank you all for adding so very much to my life. It’s not good-bye – it’s hey…. let’s have some fun, enjoy life and most of all, good health.