(ARLINGTON, VA) In its most recent Strategic Plan update, adopted this October, the Columbia Pike Partnership set a goal to expand its team and gain more language support to be able to better serve our diverse community and better provide the needed skills and expertise to fulfill our mission.
In furtherance of this goal, we welcomed two new women in the past month: Andrea Avendano, who is filling in the Marketing & Communications Specialist position, and Paula Baake who is now our Business & Development Associate.
Andrea Avendano A dedicated and results-driven advertising and marketing specialist with over eight years of experience, Andrea is very passionate about crafting innovative advertisements that not only are impactful to and for our partners and residents but that create positive and profound changes in the community. She delivers data-driven marketing solutions through powerful, strategically targeted, and thoughtful campaigns via a variety of media platforms, and is fluent in Spanish and English. Andrea is a resident of the Columbia Pike corridor in Fairfax County, her understanding of the community adds an extra level of commitment to the organization’s mission.
“The current and future plans that directly impact our residents, the preservation of our natural areas, rich cultures, and great diversity that makes our community so unique and special are extremely important to me.” Says Avendano. “As someone from a Latin-American ethnicity myself, I have a first-hand understanding of the challenges our community faces and the opportunities available to make our community stronger for the residents, neighbors, business owners, and beyond.”
Paula Baake A genuine, results-oriented leader with over 20+ years of business management and strategic development, Paula is a strategic thinker able to balance the “big picture” with the details required to make meaningful change. Multi-lingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she’s able to navigate cultures while building relationships that last over time. An immigrant from Brazil, Paula lived on Columbia Pike while studying business at George Washington University. Working at The Columbia Pike Partnership, supporting local businesses and the community, is an opportunity to go back to her roots, contribute and make a difference – a responsibility that she does not take lightly.
“I grew up in Brazil and ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to move to the US and live the American dream. As an immigrant and business professional, the privilege to be a part of a company that has the power to elevate, bring people together, and do so much good in our community is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. My goal is to support and deepen relationships on the Pike, and give back to the community.” Says Baake.