Let’s get to know … Amanda Andere, Executive Director of FACETS in Fairfax, VA. Through emergency and supportive programs to prevent homelessness and assist those who are already homeless, FACETS works to ensure that every area family has a place to call home.

1. What was your most interesting recent project, initiative, partnership, or event?

In May, over 500 people woke up to make a difference at the FACETS Opening Doors Benefit Breakfast. At this free breakfast, members of the community, current supporters, and elected officials heard directly from the people with whom we work about the impact we’ve had on their lives. The result was over $190,000 raised to help us continue to open doors for people in need and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

2. What else are you up to?

FACETS is an active partner in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness by 2018. It has changed our work dramatically and we are now embarking on our second joint grant with eight other partners that will help people move from homelessness to housing more quickly. On October 22nd, we will hold our annual Taste of Fall with FACETS — a great event with wonderful food, live and silent auctions, and awesome music.

3. Is there a moment, person, or event that inspired you to do this particular work?

My parents are my inspiration. They immigrated to this country and always reminded me that their success was because people helped them along the way, strangers who treated them like family. We were a service-above-self family and that stuck with me.

4. Who is your hero in the nonprofit/philanthropy world?

I have two: Robert Egger, founder of DC Central Kitchen, and Rosetta Thurman of Thurman Consulting. Both have worked in community- based organizations, but are now challenging the nonprofit sector to think differently, speak about social change as a business, and promote diversity throughout the sector.

5. What is the single greatest (and non-financial) challenge to the work that you do every day?

It is often a challenge in one of the wealthiest communities to help people understand the needs of people living in poverty and the lack of affordable housing. So, outside of fundraising, we are constantly communicating and advocating.

6. What advice do you have for other people who want to work in your field?

If you want to be an Executive Director, you have to be a bold, visionary leader who is not afraid to take risks. It is not just about having passion for this work, but truly believing you could work yourself out of a job. I want to be a part of ending homelessness in my community, not just managing the problem. You can’t just sit behind a desk to accomplish that goal; you have to be out in the community talking about the need and giving people the opportunity to make a difference.

7. What’s next?

I tend to think two years ahead. We have two big projects on the horizon. We have begun planning for our 25th anniversary in 2013 and are working with another nonprofit and foundation on a project that could have a life-long impact on the lives of our clients. More details to come — make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

EXTRA: If you could have a power breakfast with any three people (living, dead, or fictional) who would they be?

Marian Wright Edelman, Dorothy Height, and Kevin Powell. All very different, but instrumental leaders at various points during the modern civil rights movements for social justice and a voice to the people who are often silenced.