At SPS Carley...
- Built on her previous fundraising experience
- Got a complete overview of the nonprofit sector
- Learned how to create a social media strategy
- Worked in a pilot position at the American Red Cross
- Formed the Fundraising Students Association
- Networked with her professor for a job opportunity
You were already working in fundraising. What attracted you to SPS?
I wanted to build on my experience and enrich my knowledge. I first discovered my love of fundraising while I was working as a retail store manager, and I wanted a solid foundation in the field. The SPS program changed my life. Through it, I was able to work in a pilot program for the American Red Cross, where I served as major gifts officer. I specialized in donor acquisition. Then, by networking with my professor, Marcia Stepanek, I forged a connection that led to my current position as Director of Development and Communications for the New York Junior League.
Did your coursework help you feel qualified for these positions?
Absolutely. For example, in the ‘Wired Nonprofit’ course I took with professor Stepanek, we learned about the importance of creating a social media strategy, and how to do it. That preparation gave me an important part of the skillset I needed for my position at the New York Junior League.
You were working full-time when you attended SPS. How did you manage?
When you do both, an interesting interaction occurs. When you’re at work, you apply the knowledge from your classes. When you’re in class, you can bring your work problems with you, and everyone will help you figure them out. You are able to see exactly how your learning can be applied in real-time.
You helped form the Fundraising Student Association. What motivated you?
I was formerly the president of the FSA. Originally, we focused on part-time students working full-time, to give them a sense of belonging. Then it evolved to include everyone, and really leads the program’s community. Its goal is to make sure everyone feels they can connect with one another. FSA also gives alumni a way to stay invested in SPS. The FSA has run networking events and we even got to visit Huff Post to learn about how virtual reality is being used in fundraising. Our careers in fundraising are based around relationship building. The FSA starts that on the student level.
