How did your career journey lead you to GG / why did you decide to have a career in philanthropy?
As Public Health major in college, I was really motivated to focus on Education as a social determinant of health. This led me to my first job as a Programs Associate with Minds Matter of New York City. By helping 100% of our high school students enroll in a four-year college or university, I hoped to indirectly improve their life expectancies. While initially being excited about college access work I found myself becoming even more interested in the nonprofit and social impact sector overall. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the field at a systems level. This played a significant role in my passive job search. At the end of 2022, my job search became more active since I was expecting to move after my wedding since my wife was about to start her OB-GYN residency. At the time, we didn’t know where we’d end up, so I prioritized remote-friendly organizations which is how I learned about Geneva Global! I got connected to Jaynice Del Rosario, a former GG employee who now collaborates with Girls First Fund. After speaking with Jaynice, I resonated deeply with our focus on employee experience and the opportunity to apply all our interests and skills to support our clients. There are probably 100 more reasons why I would choose to work in philanthropy, but at the time I was so fortunate to have Geneva Global on my radar and for them to take a chance on me! I remember doing my second-round interview in the dining room of my aunt’s apartment and then getting the phone call from Kasey two hours later!
What does your role at Geneva Global involve?
As an Associate on the Donor Advising team, I support our clients with the behind-the-scenes steps that help drive relationship management with ultra-high net worth individuals and organizations. Within my portfolio of projects, I conduct donor research, draft communications, and keep meticulous notes about our clients’ partners.
How has your role at GG evolved?
At Geneva Global, you really get out what you put in. If you’re seeking leadership or growth opportunities, they will come your way! Since joining the Donor Advising team, I have been able to flex my project management skills outside of client work with our website refresh and our GIV-wide Asana implementation. The more experienced you become with handling client deliverables, the more you can manage future client requests. I now make Asana tee ups for the work I was doing on day one!
What fulfills you most about your role?
I feel most fulfilled when I learn about how a “help desk request” or prospect research request from my team converts into funds committed or donors converted! We do more “subtle influencing” than direct service work on Donor Advising, so it is rewarding to be part of the cumulative effort to affect change. I really enjoy using Asana for project management. I recently got certified as an Asana Workflow Specialist, so I get excited when I can apply my skills to help a colleague.
How does your role support or engage with the goals of philanthropists and philanthropic organizations?
As we have seen in the news, philanthropists aren’t only trying to give their money, they are also trying to promote giving overall. In philanthropy, it takes multiple touchpoints before funds can be mobilized. In my role, I make space for our clients to focus on strategy by capturing these touchpoints and providing them with meaningful insights to drive relationships forward.
How has the philanthropy landscape changed over the last few years?
I don’t think I can answer this yet!
What are you most excited about for the future of philanthropy?
Not to be morbid, but I’m really excited about the upcoming generational wealth transfer. In my current work, I am always excited about seeing the next generation take philanthropy into their own hands, either by leading family offices or starting their own initiatives. There are going to be unique organizations and projects to support in the coming years.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in your field?
Having exposure to the nonprofit or grantmaking sector is helpful. As someone who worked in direct service before joining Geneva Global, I think it was a combination of my focus on my ability in Education and Public Health as well as my transferable skills in consulting. I conduct informational interviews with colleagues in the field, and you never know who can make a referral or pass along an opportunity your way! Keep a list of dream companies and periodically check their websites or LinkedIn for role postings once a month or however often works for you.
What are you reading right now?
I am starting to read “When Hearing Becomes Listening,” by Mikaeel Ahmed Smith. It was a recommendation from my wife! It’s a book with lessons about the Prophet Muhammad; peace be upon him.
Where do you get your news?
LinkedIn, New York Times, and our Philanthropy News Channel! I have spent years trying to curate a LinkedIn algorithm that elevates the voices of first-generation college, BIPOC, women-led, and LGBTQ+ communities. My news is focused on the intersections of education, health, and social justice holistically. I also try to make room for opinions “across-the-aisle”, so I don’t drown in an echo-chamber.
How has your work-from-home journey been? Any tips or tricks?
Having graduated from college during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have always worked from home or at least in a hybrid capacity. Now at Geneva Global, I work fully remotely! As any office job can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, I would recommend taking advantage of your home environment to make it work for you and your wellness. I recently bought an adjustable standing desk as well as a walking pad, which allows me to alternate between sitting and walking at a comfortable pace during meetings where I’m not expected to speak. I also have at home-gym equipment that allows me to take a quick break and do light exercises when I need to re-center myself. Having a ritual or routine before you start working is always nice. I enjoy burning incense sticks or lighting a wax melt while listening to music to help me get in the groove while working through any projects.
