Office of Alumnae Relations and Development

Philanthropic Officer for Leadership Gifts

What brought you to Smith?
I came to Smith after working at a few local nonprofits in western Massachusetts. At the time, I was looking for the next step in my career and I was so excited to come back to Smith as an alumna. 

How would you describe what you do here at Smith?
I would describe my work as relationship building. We hope that Smith College alums will have a lifelong connection with the college and my work helps to facilitate that connection.     

Please share something you are proud of about the impact of your work on the college. 
For the first several years of my time at Smith, I worked with the student phonathon program. Working with students, and specifically helping students fundraise for fellow Smithies, was incredibly rewarding. Being a phonathon caller is not an easy job, and I absolutely loved seeing the students’ confidence grow throughout the years.     

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
When I was a student on campus, I worked as a library assistant in Josten Library. I still go back there from time to time when I need a quiet space to work. I love the purple carpet.

How has your background prepared you for your current job at Smith?
I’ve had many experiences in my life where I've benefited greatly from the generosity of others. The gratitude I hold for those experiences fuels my work. I want to be able to help others give in ways that are meaningful to their identities and passions while connecting them to areas of great need within our organization.    

When you’re not working or traveling for Smith, what are you most likely to be found doing?
Singing karaoke or playing video games.

What are you reading/watching/digging into these days?
I've been binge-watching season two of Bridgerton recently; I'm a sucker for viral Netflix originals (and Shonda Rhimes). My favorite TV shows are The Good Place and New Girl. I also love doing all different kinds of crafts: macramé, jewelry-making, crocheting and embroidery. I don't expect that anyone would ever buy my creations, but it’s great fun!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
That's a hard question after not traveling for two years. I think I'd go to Scotland. The history is interesting and it looks absolutely magical there!

What’s a project you are passionate about? 
From ages six to 17 I was in the Girl Scouts, and I feel that being in spaces specifically for girls allowed me to explore my own interests without hesitation or fear of judgment. I'm passionate about creating safe, accessible spaces for women, girls and other marginalized groups so they can be themselves without the worries that may be present in more general public spaces.     

What’s a fun fact about you?
I'm an avid concertgoer and have seen many (hundreds?) of live events spanning a large range of sizes and genres. My favorite so far was a music festival, curated by the musician and producer Pharrell Williams, called Something in the Water in Virginia Beach.

Favorite Smith tradition? 
Arch Sing   

Which do you prefer: Bulb Show or Mum Show?
Bulb Show

Who would you most like to have dinner with?
Beyoncé