Great fundraising isn’t all about money. It’s about communities of people rallied around a common purpose, each with his or her own contribution. Fundraising is the unique matchmaking tool that bridges needs of a cause with the philanthropic priorities of people and institutions.As Save Mount Diablo’s development director, I’m privileged to bring that intersection of need and ability to life, serving as part of the leadership team committed to preserving the East Bay’s natural lands.Together, we reinforce the vibrant connections between our community partners, business leaders, sponsors, donors, and other stakeholders—all centered around the shared belief that access to open space is critical to health and happiness.My work today uniquely brings together my career and academic experience in the humanities, library science, and legal research. I didn’t know it at the time, but the common threads unifying those communities prepared me for the “all hands on deck” approach I use today.Outside the office, friends and colleagues know me as the Catholic-raised New Yorker with a passion for Jewish philanthropy—who attended college in Montana and married a Frenchman. I attribute my ability to walk in others’ shoes to that unique tangle of life experiences.