Feet First Foundation: Managing Director

Natalija is a highly accomplished professional with over 10 years of experience in education and Human Resources. She currently serves as our Managing Director, where she oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of the educational program and curriculum. In this role, Natalija ensures that the Foundation's programs are run effectively and assists other departments in improving their efficiency. She collaborates with the Executive Director to build and upgrade the program, maintaining motivation and enthusiasm among students and staff. In collaboration with the Operations Director, Natalija helps to optimize workflows, ensuring operational efficiency.

Natalija also oversees and tracks all training for the coaches with the assistance of HR and Program Managers. She works closely with our social workers to assess the efficacy of our program and is responsible for data and assessment reports.

Prior to her current role, Natalija worked as a Human Resources Manager for an education startup in New Jersey, managing all aspects of HR, from recruiting and training to payroll administration. She has also taught French at the middle school level in New Jersey and worked as an Academic Advisor for John F. Kennedy University and National Education Partners in the Bay Area.

Originally from Belgium, Natalija now resides in Pleasant Hill, California, with her husband and three children. She holds a Master’s Degree in Political Sciences from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, which has equipped her with strong analytical skills. She is fluent in French and Albanian, and she has a good understanding of Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Natalija enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, and actively participating in the Albanian and French community in the Bay Area. She is passionate about promoting education and is dedicated to making a positive impact through her contributions.