Why did you get involved with serving nonprofit organizations?
By serving nonprofit organizations, I am able to impact the common good by extension. I don’t have all
the answers on how to solve large-scale societal issues. Rather, I rely on the experts to address
them—and I help those experts be successful.
By ensuring they have the technology, data, and processes in place, I can give nonprofits the foundation
to help the common good.
Why did you join Benefactor Group?
Benefactor Group allows me to serve many diverse nonprofits at once, while giving me the opportunity to really dig in and focus on the technology and systems that can advance their work. This work provides glimpses into the different sectors of the nonprofit world: providing insight into their uniqueness, and also their similarities.
Also, Benefactor Group is full of individuals who are passionate about their work, the work of our clients, and the common good.
What inspires you to serve the common good?
It’s easy. The world needs help, and I simply can’t ignore that. Everyone needs help in some way or another. While I can’t help everyone or fix everything, I’d like my time working to mean more than just collecting a paycheck.
We are living in rapidly changing times, which extends to the philanthropic landscape. What gives you hope for the future of philanthropy over the next five years?
Nothing is ever the same. Everything is constantly evolving. While there are some trends within the world of philanthropy that are currently headed in a less-than-ideal direction, I truly believe new generations will change these trends. At the same time, I wonder whether our overall understanding of what philanthropy is may shift. Or how new technology will open new arenas to grow philanthropy and better the world as a whole.
What influences how you give, volunteer, or advocate?
I’m drawn to organizations that show direct evidence of benefiting society. Whether that is providing a scholarship to a student who couldn’t afford the education, or helping a family take care of their pet, or providing food and shelter for individuals who do not have access to these resources, I am drawn to direct impact.
Of course, I also understand the importance of unrestricted giving—and supporting an organization’s basic annual budget! These gifts are vital in supporting their ability to achieve societal impact.
If you could make a $1 million gift to any organization, where would you direct your contributions and why?
I would work with a local humane society to create an endowment supporting subsidized or free veterinary care. Pets have always been an important part of my mental health and my family. I would want to be able to support those who may not be able to afford to take care of their family pets.
Where can someone find you when you’re not at work?
When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family—my husband and two-year-old daughter. I love being outdoors: whether it’s going for a hike, going to the park and playing on the playground, or our current favorite…sledding in the snow.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney and Con Pollo by Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez. These are my daughter’s current favorite books—but ask again in two days, and she’ll have some new favorites!
Otherwise, I’m digging into articles, blog posts, and community discussions related to upcoming changes to the software and technology I use on a regular basis: from Microsoft Power BI and Excel to Google Pixel and more.
I’m a technology geek at heart—what else can I say?
