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Director of Strategy and Development

Brooke Adams

As an Orange County native, Brooke found numerous opportunities to surround herself with local leaders, business executives, nonprofit professionals, and medical directors. As a pharmaceutical sales specialist, Brooke collaborated with physicians and medical groups to expand sales with pain management and orthopedic medications. She tackled HMO limitations and growth within company prescription policies and group formularies. Utilizing her background, Brooke then wrote a business plan and started a family business in Newport Beach, enjoying years of working directly with consumers. With family in mind, Brooke took on a leadership role within the PTA as a unit president at the elementary and high school level, as well as worked with Saddleback Valley Unified School District on 21:1 legislation. Using her years of nonprofit experience, Brooke established new fundraising programs and worked with the chamber of commerce and Mayor’s office to support programs while utilizing local businesses. Joining Kure It, Brooke is realizing the benefits of 30+ years in the work force, supported by a progressive career and mindset. With a deep love for nonprofit work and serving in a leadership role as Director of Strategy and Development, the best is yet to come. EMAIL: Brooke@kureit.org

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Development Coordinator

Gabrielle Esparza

“One team one dream” is a quote Gabrielle shared with the Kure It Team. Her outlook and motivation come from years of experience working in the nonprofit space and her deep belief that we succeed together! Gabrielle joined the Kure It team in March of 2024 and brings a strong background in data support, volunteer liaison, and outreach.

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Treasurer

Donna Waldo

Donna has been supporting Kure It since its creation as a named fund at City of Hope in 2007, raising funds for much needed kidney cancer research. In 2010, she helped create the 501(c)3 entity which allowed Kure It to expand their outreach to cover other underfunded cancers. She has seen the organization grow from a grassroots friends and family fundraising effort, to a dynamic community resource, with multiple events and outreach programs. In her role as Treasurer, she oversees all the financial aspects of the organization. In addition to keeping the books and records, Donna enjoys volunteering her time at the various Kure It functions. Her happiest times are when she is helping others. Donna has a BS in Marketing and Finance from USC, and an MBA from Pepperdine University. She lives in Irvine with her husband. She is the proud mom of an adult daughter and son, and a very happy Nana to her grandson! She is an avid baseball fan, and has visited all 30 MLB parks! She is grateful to be involved with Kure It, and being a part of fulfilling Barry’s vision.

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Development Specialist

Maria Dumatol

Maria is experienced in various industries at different levels. As an industrial artist in the aerospace industry, an account executive for the nation’s largest workers’ compensation medical bill review company, an analyst with one of the world’s largest hardware, software and electronics distributor, and a program and business development manager in the staffing and recruiting industry, but no matter where she’s worked, her deepest passion has always been in support of nonprofit business and charitable organizations. Maria has served as president and board member of a number of organizations, such as the Asian Business Association of Orange County, Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, Asian Women Entrepreneurs – Orange County, and she is also a Co-Founder and current board member of the Pacific Trade and Culture Alliance. Maria has always been interested in reaching a more “Glocal Community.” Though Maria was born in the U.S., her family moved to the Philippines when her father was scouted to run three large companies. While living in Manila, Maria earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Philippine Women’s University and majored in Communication Arts. Maria has also been involved with local charitable organizations such as Alzheimer’s Orange County and the Center for Autism and Neurological Disorders. Maria started independently with Kure It Cancer Research in August, 2019 as an Event Coordinator/Development Consultant, and just recently became their Development Specialist. Maria is excited in coming aboard with Kure It and helping to achieve exciting initiatives with potential community partnerships. EMAIL: Maria@kureit.org

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Director of Development and Outreach

Jackie Kurtz

Jackie joined the Kure It team as the Director of Development and Outreach in 2017 after supporting the organization for many years as a donor. She loves having the opportunity to raise funds for cancer researchers that would otherwise not receive the financial backing they need. This is a critical time for cancer research, and she understands that funding research will lead to saving lives. Jackie’s proudest moment since joining the Kure It team was adding a new fundraiser, the Rivals Cup Golf Tournament, to their yearly activities. She is thrilled to report the tournament has been able to net over $300,000 for cancer research in just two years. Jackie has a BA in Psychology and Business Administration from the University of San Diego. She lives in Costa Mesa with her husband and daughter. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, going to Ducks games and Duffy boat rides around the bay. She looks forward to a lifetime of helping connect individuals with causes that speak to them. EMAIL: Jackie@kureit.org

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