‘I am fortunate to have a career that allows me to fulfill my drive to improve services and options for people with disabilities.’
What do you do?
I manage communications, marketing and business development for a leading nonprofit agency, which provides vital human services. CHR supports more than 14,000 individuals with mental health and substance use issues through community based services, clinical programs, supportive housing and other programs. I oversee all communications, political relations, business development and grant writing, marketing, public relations and fundraising.
Please describe your career path.
At Providence College, I focused on community service and public policy, interning at the state capitol and volunteering in community organizations. Believing public policy the best route to improving the human service system, I earned a Masters in Public Administration at UConn. I spent nine years working for the Connecticut Community Providers Association. As vice president for public policy, I lobbied the legislature and state agencies to develop policy that supported the human service safety net. In my current position as CHR’s vice president for business development and communications, I promote vital behavioral healthcare through services that support 80 programs serving half the state.
What’s been your biggest challenge professionally?
It was gaining the respect and support of experienced leaders at a young age. At 29 I was a vice president for a large trade association. It was a challenge to be in such a high profile role when there were others in similar positions who were seasoned professionals, well into their careers. From that experience I was able to foster strong relationships with those peers, which led to greater opportunities in the future.
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
I hope that in 10 years I am leading a large nonprofit human service organization.
What is the best advice you received?
My husband always reminds our three children of a few very important lessons:
Do what you love.
Don’t be afraid to fail, because if you are, you’ll never try anything new.
Always be your own person.
How are you involved in your community?
I am fortunate to have a career that allows me to fulfill my drive to improve services and options for people with disabilities and to work for an agency in which I believe in deeply. My position affords me the opportunity to engage in community outreach, connecting CHR services and supports through community events and fundraising activities. In addition, I am a member of the UConn MPA Alumni Association Board, supporting the program and helping students as they move forward in careers in public service.
My most enjoyable community role is T-ball coach. Although our official goal is to teach the fundamentals of baseball, this has been a great opportunity to instill key life lessons about good sportsmanship, teamwork and the value of hard work.
