How did you get started in this space?

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 My parents. Whether it was watching them give a weekly donation at church, or serving on nonprofit boards, I always knew that this was a core responsibility as a citizen. Their teachings led me to running my first school supplies drive for needy children in middle school, to now serving on charity boards.

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Why is giving back important to you?

Because it’s a special privilege to be in a position to help others. To me, not taking advantage of that opportunity is taking your good fortune for granted. 

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Outside of your career, what else are you involved in?

 

I see philanthropy as my second job. I’m on the board of trustees and am development chair for the Harbor Science and Arts Charter School, the advisory board for the foundation for Yellowstone National Park, and am on the alumnae board and am fundraising chair for the Princeton Tigerlilies acapella group. I also serve on special committees for organizations like Special Olympics of New York.

 

How are you shifting the culture with your philanthropic endeavors?

 

 I’m shifting the culture by having a seat at the table as a millennial black woman. It’s surreal but also necessary. 

 

I noticed you have several board positions; is there anything others can do to help support any/all of those organizations?

 

Folks who want to donate to these and any others can get involved in the amazing tech innovations that exist today, and make giving more accessible. Download the app, DonorUp. It helps millennials get “matched” with and discover organizations that are relevant to their personal interests and beliefs. It also provides an affordable way to give on a monthly basis. 

 

How do you decompress or manage stress?

 

Spending time with family is always the best medicine. Whether we are arguing about politics or discussing the latest celebrity scandal, they always expand my mind and take me out of my every day, and help me gain better perspective on the world around me. 

 

Can you offer any career advice for others looking to bridge the gap between their careers and giving back?

 

Use your core skill set to your advantage. If you’re a marketing person, offer to help a nonprofit with fundraising or spreading the word about their mission. If you’re a lawyer, offer legal advice to those in need. There’s a seat at the table for everyone and charities need corporate talent to support their often overwhelmed and understaffed in-house teams. 

 

Continue this sentence...I give too because

 

It’s my responsibility