Personal Story
I grew up in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, which is located twenty minutes outside of Pittsburgh.
My first real volunteer experience didn’t come until I was entering my freshman year of college when I decided to go on a mission trip through Catholic Heart Work Camp (CHWC) to New Orleans, LA post Hurricane Katrina. This experience was truly eye opening and from that moment on, I knew that I wanted a life centered with helping others.
After more service trips to New Orleans, I started to work on the staff of CHWC providing service opportunities to youth in varying areas around the country. At CHWC, I continued to witness the need with our own country and with every volunteer experience I encountered, my faith was strengthened.
Determined to inspire young adults my age, I started my own nonprofit organization with my best friend called “The Call to Serve.” We set out to provide a unique serve opportunity that took place in an RV while traveling the country. At The Call to Serve I spoke to young adults about the power of public service, recruited new volunteers and developed sources of income to sustain the grassroots movement.
Once I had a taste of the nonprofit world, it lead me to explore the possibility of filling the Director of Development position with the Lasallian Volunteers. Upon learning about the opportunity and the Lasallian Volunteers program, from LV alumni Melissa Blythe Altman ‘02-‘04, I wanted to be a part of the Lasallian Volunteers’ proud tradition.
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Areas of Responsibility
- Work with the Advisory Board, Fundraising Committee and Lasallian Volunteers staff to identify, cultivate and coordinate the solicitation of potential donors.
- Work with the Fundraising Committee and the Director to develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive annual plan for development, fundraising and public relations.
- Develop strategies to increase outreach beyond Lasallian Volunteers traditional funding base to new prospects.
- Maintain a network of marketing and public relations contacts so as to be able to advance the story and mission of the program in the communities served.
- Responsible for oversight of foundation relations, proposal development, interim and final reporting.
- Oversee the planning, execution and follow up to special events/promotions for the program as necessary.
- Annually review publication needs with the LV program staff and oversee the process involved in meeting those needs.
- Oversee production of annual report.
- Assist the Director as requested in other activities that relate to the promotion and support of the LV program.
- Moderate travel nationally for events, gatherings, conferences, donor visits and programming.
Professional Experience
- Service Coordinator, Catholic Heart Work Camp, Orlando, FL
- Co-Founder/Director of Volunteer Outreach, The Call to Serve, Pittsburgh, PA
Other Interests
- Expanding my musical horizon
- Volunteering
- Thrift stores
- Do it yourself (DYI) home improvements
- Running and biking
- Documentaries