A graduate of UNLV’s hospitality program, Fuilala Riley didn’t set out to work in the nonprofit sector. It’s something she has chosen to do.
Riley began her career with HELP of Southern Nevada as the events and development manager. Over the years, she evolved in her role and was eventually appointed to president and CEO in 2016. Riley now oversees 10 departments, a team of over 150 employees and serves tens of thousands of clients each year.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Riley stepped up in a major way. Under her direction, HELP brought on an additional 400 beds for homeless individuals and families; paid for 3,400 months of rental and utility assistance for those affected; and created an additional 30 jobs within the nonprofit.
HELP was also awarded the largest private donation in its 50-year history—$5 million from the Bezos Day One Fund, which is being utilized to end homelessness for 150 Southern Nevada families.