Supporting Excellence in Education

Higher Education Resource Services (HERS)

I provide insights and recommendations to enhance the fundraising efforts and maximize the effectiveness of a new campaign for Higher Education Resource Services (HERS).  HERS is a leading organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in higher education. By addressing the underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions within U.S. colleges and universities. Currently, just 30% of college and university presidents are women, although this number has increased from just 5 in 2013. HERS aims to support the professional development and leadership skills of women-identified leaders across the nation, with the overarching goal of increasing their representation and impact in higher education leadership roles.

American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA)

I spearheaded a comprehensive campaign and fundraising efforts for the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) to secure support for programs, capacity-building initiatives, and conference sponsorships from individuals and private foundations. ACTA is dedicated to promoting universally excellent education across 4-year colleges and universities, as well as advocating for more efficient use of institutional endowments to enhance affordability for students and families. 

The purpose of my work was to orchestrate a targeted campaign aimed at educating high-level donors, particularly trustees and alumni, on the importance of supporting rigorous academic standards and curriculum requirements. Additionally, our efforts focused on engaging these stakeholders in driving institutional policies that prioritize excellence in student education, best use of resources, and cost containment measures. 

By emphasizing strong academic curricula and cost-effective decision-making, our campaign for ACTA aimed to enhance student achievement and reinforce the value proposition of higher education for all stakeholders.

American University School of Education

Participated in institutional and family-funded campaign for an annual symposium and a critical literacy collection of books and materials for primary school student-educators at American University School of Education. The12th Annual Larissa Gerstel Critical Literacy and Social Justice Symposium, co-hosted by AU School of Education, Kennedy Political Union, and Washington College of Law, convened a dialogue on education policy in a post-Trump era. Notable panelists included CNN Analyst Bakari Sellers and political strategist Angela Rye. 

In 2018, the Symposium featured Parkland student activists David Hogg, Jaclyn Corin, and Samantha Fuentes, discussing gun violence and its impact. Attended by AU students, DC community members, and distinguished guests, the event was honored by AU President Sylvia Burwell and SOE Dean Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, commemorating Larissa Gerstel and the Parkland victims. 

Loudoun Education Foundation

Supporting K-12 Education Governance and Community Fundraising 

I served as a Trustee for the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF), holding voting rights on countywide public school policy decisions alongside prominent community members, the Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), and the Assistant Superintendent.

As a Trustee, I actively participated in LEF and LCPS Board meetings, annual fundraising campaigns, scholarship selection, and the organization of Annual Excellence in Education Award dinners, which honor student achievement and teacher contributions.

A key focus of LEF’s initiatives included supporting arts programs affected by reductions in public funding, ensuring that students continue to benefit from enriching educational experiences despite financial constraints.