La Salle University
Location: Jenkintown, PA
Major: Nonprofit Leadership
Role: Chief Operating Officer, Eastern National
What activities were you involved with as a student?
I was enrolled in an online Master’s program from 2017-2020. My involvement with other students included in person group work, asynchronous discussion rooms, and synchronous class work.
How have you remained active or engaged with the University as an alumna since graduation?
Having graduated from La Salle during the pandemic, most of my early post-graduation engagement was through social media, newsletters, and alumni communications. In 2021, I attended the Women in Leadership Conference virtually. In 2022, I engaged with The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University, collaborating with a consultant to support my organization’s post-pandemic strategic planning.
I participated in the Explorers on Campus program in October 2022. Even though I live 5 miles from campus, this was my first time walking into a La Salle classroom. I shared my career and academic experience with BUS 200 students that were preparing for their own post-graduation journey. I connected with students and professors fostering a connection with the next generation of La Salle alumni. It was a very rewarding experience that encouraged me to find new ways to remain connected to the La Salle community and look for opportunities to give back to the University.
In 2023, my daughter and I volunteered at Cradle to Crayons in Philadelphia at an Alumni Networking event. I have contributed financially by designating La Salle University as the charitable organization of choice through AmazonSmile in 2022, and by participating in the annual Day of Giving, supporting the Charter Challenge through the La Salle Fund.
Why do you want to run for the Alumni Board of Directors?
My La Salle experience has always been from a distance. In 2017, as a newly promoted executive leader working for an educational nonprofit, I invested in my career development, growing my skills to benefit my organization. I was experienced in management and operations, but I sought academic instruction for nonprofit governance, finance, and strategic planning. I had not been in a classroom for two decades, and as an adult learner, I knew returning to a rigorous academic schedule would be a challenge.
The Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership program was 100% online and allowed me to continue working full time while networking with other nonprofit staff and board members through distance learning. From 2017 – 2020 I frequently visited national parks for work, so I could attend synchronous classes remotely while traveling anywhere from Maine to Puerto Rico. I completed my capstone and graduated in May 2020, during the pandemic, and I attended my graduation ceremony on the University’s Facebook page. I celebrated by driving to an empty campus with my daughter, wearing my cap and gown, and getting a photo in front of the University’s welcome sign. I was seeking a physical connection to the University that provided me a stronger foundation to become a more strategic nonprofit leader, better prepared to face the challenges of managing through a pandemic.
As an educational nonprofit leader, serving on the Alumni Board would allow me to find a deeper connection to the La Salle community and create more engagement opportunities with remote Explorers wherever they are on their journey. I can represent the perspective of those that did not have a typical on-campus experience but continue to value their academic experience in the Lasallian tradition.
Is there any other information you would like to share?
I believe I can support the Alumni Board with a unique perspective of the academic experience of distance learners and offer suggestions on how to maintain a connection with alumni remotely. I enrolled in La Salle’s Nonprofit Leadership program 21 years after graduating from college, so I can represent graduate students returning to the virtual classroom later in their careers, and how to maintain engagement.
As an educational nonprofit professional, I have experience in Board orientation, engagement, finances, and governance which is a unique skill set to offer the Alumni Board. Personally, I am called to volunteer my time and talents to other nonprofit organizations, especially those that have a mission that aligns with my personal and professional values.