Meet Krista Gray, the new Director of Community Operations at The Fetch! A passionate traveler, Krista also loves tech and bringing people together. Here, she shares her story and why she’s so excited to be working with The Fetch community.

How did you end up where you are today?

Still in my first few weeks of experimenting with life as a ‘digital nomad’, I’m currently working from one of my oldest friend’s newly purchased home in Connecticut. This is amazing because I left New England about seven years ago to pursue a change of pace in California. My time on the West Coast has consisted of a two year stint in Carmel-by-the-Sea before moving to San Francisco to help build a startup (which turned into several startups over a five-year span). Just recently, I left my last role to spend this summer with people I’ve missed dearly for nearly a decade. The best part? While I’m temporarily back where I started, I’m able to work with The Fetch!

Why did you want to get involved with The Fetch?

I’ve followed The Fetch since meeting Kate Kendall at a Skillshare class she was teaching about Community Management in 2012. At that time, I had just moved to the city and jumped into the entire startup ‘scene’. The concept of The Fetch resonated so deeply with me as it was exactly the kind of resource I found myself searching for. Starting over in a new place/industry is overwhelming, and having a cheat sheet for the the right kind of events along with access to carefully curated, intelligent reads can make it much easier to get acclimated and involved.

What things excite you about our community right now?

The sheer volume of incredible things that Fetchers are working on! I’m so impressed with the passion and knowledge each person brings to the community, and eager to help them all make the most of their work-life.

What events do you recommend in San Francisco?

I love Inforum (a division of the Commonwealth Club) for their conversation series. I recently had the pleasure of watching Molly Ringwald interview Judy Blume at the Castro Theater, and it was really enlightening to hear each woman discuss her respective creative endeavors, sources of inspiration, and challenges encountered over the last twenty years. These events are also a great place to network with like-minded people and make new friends.

What’s your favourite thing about your city?  

The weather. No, seriously! A lot of folks complain about the fog, particularly in the summer, but I think there’s a certain bit of magic to it. I love San Francisco’s temperate climate and the opportunity to layer clothes everyday, nearly year round. ‘Sweater weather’ has always been my favorite. 🙂

What’s unique about San Francisco?

I think the people are what make San Francisco truly special and unique. The tech industry attracts such a diverse range of people from varied cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. I’ve found that people I’ve met in San Francisco also seem to share a sense of heightened awareness in terms of gratitude — it’s refreshing to be surrounded by such great minds that are also deeply appreciative.

Where can we find you in San Francisco?

If I’m not at The Roastery, you’re likely to find me at a Bar Method class or getting fresh air in one of my favorite places: the Lands End Trail, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, or Crissy Field. I’m also a huge fan of sunsets, and like to watch them from friends’ roof decks or the city’s best vantage points.

How can we connect with you?

Keep up with my adventures by reading my journal, or give me a shout on one of my favorite social sites — Twitter or Instagram.

If you didn’t live in San Francisco, where would you be?

San Francisco is easy to fall in love with, and really difficult to think about leaving for a long amount of time. However, if I didn’t call the City by the Bay home, I think I’d try life in a European city. I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Rome and marvel over how different the daily grind is. I think we learn the most when we push ourselves out of our ‘normal’ routines and overlaps, and trying something so different could be a really fun and productive way to keep growing personally and professionally. Time will tell!

Last, how do you like your coffee?

It depends. I’m somewhat of a rare breed in that I don’t have a go-to coffee selection. I’ll often drink it black, but there are days that I mix in cream and raw sugar. Additionally, I can never resist a coconut iced coffee at Breaking New Grounds in Portsmouth, NH when I’m visiting home. They flavor the beans, and it’s simply the best.