Kate Konecny Pope, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) course associate and founding member of the She Opened the Door (SOTD) committee, has been appointed as the committee’s co-chair. As an alumna of the M.S. in Fundraising Management, now the NOPM program, Pope served as the director of development at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Ernest Scheller Jr. School of Business, demonstrating her ability to secure key gifts for the university, execute fundraising activities, and pilot innovative programs.
She Opened the Door is a committee dedicated to fostering a strong community and network of women connected to the University. Going beyond traditional alumni networks, the committee offers a platform for individuals to develop both personal and professional connections. Whether it be celebrating the achievements of alumnae or hosting social events to further foster community, SOTD focuses on inspiring generations of women who have attended Columbia University.
Drawing inspiration from the remarkable story of Winifred Edgerton Merrill, the first woman to receive a graduate degree from Columbia University, the committee commemorates Merrill’s achievements as having opened the door for women to gain admission into the University’s graduate and professional schools.
Beyond being a founding member of the committee, Pope created the “Ask the Expert” virtual monthly series that provides insights from Columbia alumnae regarding their experiences, challenges, and achievements. The unique, interactive nature of the monthly installations enables attendees to gain an in-depth understanding of potential career pathways.
With events ranging from technology to philanthropy to figure skating, SOTD exposes attendees to a variety of professions. The events adopt a more casual and conversational structure to further foster a sense of community, support, and comfort.
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, healthcare, the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on-campus, and online.
