Olaunda is the NC Rural Center’s Community Engagement Manager. In this role, Olaunda provides coaching and training to project teams seeking funding to promote sustained, positive economic impact in their local communities. With nearly 18 years of professional experience, Olaunda has worked with local communities, nonprofit organizations, and state government entities by providing training, education, facilitation, and technical assistance.
Olaunda was born and raised in Bunnlevel, a small township in rural Harnett County, about 20 miles north of Fayetteville. She received her bachelor’s degree in health education at North Carolina Central University and her master’s degree in human services counseling with a life coaching cognate from Liberty University.
In her spare time, Olaunda provides pre-marriage coaching for dating, engaged, and newly married couples through OG Coaching, LLC. She also enjoys volunteering at her church, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.