Development

Manager of Foundation and Corporate Relations

With USES since 2005

In your time at USES, what has been your greatest personal achievement?

During the time that it was just me in the development office after I had only been a development professional for a few months, I was in charge of the biggest fundraising event and still getting the grants out the door and keeping us afloat for that time of major transition, that was a great accomplishment.  As a preschool teacher, teaching the kids how valuable nap-time was and getting them to a point where they feel asleep every day without any problems and woke up ready to learn.  That was also a great accomplishment.

On a day-to-day basis, who or what inspires you?

The people who are coming to United South End Settlements and are really working hard to better their situation and better their lives even though they’ve got so much going on that could be a potential barrier, they inspire me.  And also I think the kids definitely inspire me.  One of the greatest things about knowing the kids and being a part of their lives is the warm and loving welcome you get every time you see them.  It’s a great feeling, and it really keeps me going.

What is USES to you?

USES is definitely my Boston family without a doubt.  I was fortunate enough to be a big part of a lot of families, and it really touched me to be able to help their children learn and grow.  Walking around the South End where USES is and seeing the families that I’ve met through this job, it makes me have a really strong connection with the city and this part of the city in particular.  I feel completely comfortable and at home with the families and with USES.