Why did you get involved with serving nonprofit organizations?
I got involved with serving nonprofit organizations because the need is great. I often think of CEO Marcus Lemonis’s principle: “people, process, product” as the key to business success, and nonprofits are businesses. Nonprofits have an incredible product, their mission to improve their communities, but often struggle with the “people” and “process” pieces due to resource scarcity.
Resource scarcity means they can’t always afford the industry experts they need. This impacts processes and, unfortunately, can make their “product” less effective than it could be. It became clear to me that I could be involved by applying my skills and experiences to make organizations more efficient and effective, allowing them to do even more good in communities.
Why did you join Benefactor Group?
I was initially drawn to the nonprofit technology consultant position at Benefactor Group after a peer in fundraising and development shared the job description. My research into Benefactor Group, including stated values, impressive team bios, and diverse portfolio of clients, solidified my interest.
The interview process further confirmed my initial impressions. Meeting members of the Benefactor Group team reinforced my belief that this would be an exceptional place where I could not only apply my skills and experience to benefit nonprofits effectively but also continue to develop professionally alongside highly accomplished colleagues.
What inspires you to serve the common good?
Perhaps the simplest and most honest answer is I have directly benefited, and continue to benefit, from others serving the common good. From receiving food from a food bank as a child, to listening to music in the park, exploring art and history museums, visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo, or wandering around the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, I am deeply aware that these experiences are a gift from an individual or groups of people dedicated to serving the common good. These experiences are regular reminders of how interconnected we all are, and that inspires me to contribute so these experiences and resources can exist for generations.
We are living in rapidly changing times—which extend to the philanthropic landscape. What gives you hope for the future of philanthropy over the next five years?
I have hope because I truly feel that communities take care of communities. People take care of their neighbors. I see it happen every day. Collections for gift cards for a family taking care of a loved one to a coworker who paid another coworker’s electric bill when her spouse lost his job, and their electricity was set to be cut off. This type of generosity isn’t reflected in a ledger or tax record. These actions are not done for a tax write-off. These actions are taken because someone cares and no matter how the philanthropic landscape changes, people who care will always remain. And I think as our community continues to recover from COVID-19 pandemic and realizes how important human interactions are, I believe more people will feel connected and philanthropic giving will be reflected in the increased connection.
What influences how you give, volunteer, or advocate?
I have to feel connected to the cause as well as believe that those who are stewarding my gifts of either money or time, are operating in good faith. The more transparent the organization is, the more influenced I am. Causes that impact those who have the quietest voices (children, animals, elderly, and those with differing abilities) have the biggest influence on my gifts of time and resources.
If you could make a $1 million gift to any organization, where would you direct your contributions and why?
Oh, this is such a good question. How do you decide what is a more valuable cause? However, I think the answer shifts based on our current life journey as well as physical location. So, at this moment in time, if I had $1 million to give, I’d donate to our local nonprofit basketball organization.
Despite being one of the fastest growing counties in Florida, our infrastructure is severely lacking, and we continue to have huge economic and social disparities between the north and south end of our county. Furthermore, beyond the beach, there are limited activities for our youth.
Any type of recreational activity for youth is hugely popular, however, participation is limited by the lack of fields and courts. This restricts open gym times, scheduled practices, and games. In fact, the only courts that exist are in the schools.
The local travel basketball organization has been working to raise funds to build an indoor facility that would house basketball and volleyball courts. They plan to build in the middle of the county, making it accessible to all youth and, most importantly, bridge the social divide between youth from the north and south through exposure and teamwork. As the facility grows, they plan to incorporate adult open gym time.
For me, there are so many life lessons learned from playing sports and being physically active. Sports act as an equalizer, fostering confidence, a sense of belonging, strong friendships, and healthy habits. All have positive impacts that bleed into other aspects of their lives.
This donation would be an investment that would continue to benefit the community for many years to come.
Where can someone find you when you’re not at work?
When I’m not working, I can be found unwinding by reading quietly or spending time with my family and friends. We often take our dog (Frankie) for walks, engage in lighthearted family pickleball tournaments, soak up the sun at the beach or in our garden, tackle puzzles, or cheer on our youngest during basketball games.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
I just finished reading The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. My daughter read it as part of her classwork, and it sounded interesting. It was! It was a fast read and provided insight into how our energy does impact our day.
And now I am starting The Wife Drought by Annabel Crabb along with reading Watering the Soul by Courtney Peppernell. Thus far, I would recommend both.
