Answer: Eight years ago, I was a private banker and serving on the Development Committee for The Dayton Foundation. Joe Baldasare, vice president of Development for the Foundation, mentioned in a meeting that he was looking to “ease toward retirement” and that they would be posting his position. I knew that my dream job was to someday work for a nonprofit organization. I originally thought I would pursue this after all my children were grown and out of college, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Q: What led you to this point in your career?
A: I love how The Dayton Foundation helps donors of any income reach their charitable goals, no matter what their passion is. It’s a wonderful feeling to see the joy that people experience when they learn we can help them help others and honor their charitable legacy or that of their loved one. In this role, I am able to use my investment banking skills and trust knowledge, along with the relationships I developed with advisors, to further philanthropy in our region.
Q: Who are a couple of people you think of as your professional board of directors (the folks you go to for advice and support)?
A: I have learned so much from Joe Baldasare and Dayton Foundation President Mike Parks. They both are creative thinkers and always are looking for a way to say “yes.” This is something that I personally value and try to do as well. They have taught me so much about philanthropy in our region and how to help our donors when the path forward is not always clear. Jennifer Fox is another individual who has been a friend of mine since we were five years old and someone who I worked with professionally in banking for years. I appreciate her opinion because she doesn’t have to sugarcoat anything with me. We give real advice to each other, listen and don’t judge when we need help with a situation.
Q: What is advice you have for women growing their careers?
A: Always be open to meeting new people and doing things that are uncomfortable. One thing I have found through the evolution of my career is that it is ok to not have my entire career timeline planned out. Some opportunities, like The Dayton Foundation position for me, may find you when you least expect it. It was not on my radar at the time, but it’s been a perfect fit.
Q: When you were a child, what career did you hope to have?
A: I always wanted to be a doctor and even began medical school. I took a leave of absence, started at the bank (just to pay my bills) and never looked back.
Q: Are you involved in any cohorts, boards, nonprofits?
A: Philanthropy Ohio, governing board member and current treasurer; Learn to Earn Dayton, governing board member; Leadership Dayton, Alumni Committee and Empower Cohort 6 through the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU
Are you a woman in business leadership or do you know one we should feature? Email details to mandy.gambrell@coxinc.com.