As the Foundation’s first employee, I transformed a charitable family’s generalized giving program into a tightly focused college access and workforce development portfolio supporting first-gen NYC youth. • Simplified the grantmaking process, set clear expectations, forged close ties with our grantee partners, and shared their accomplishments with the Meringoff family in real time; as a result, Foundation giving doubled to approximately $3.2M annually.• Engaged with our founder’s four adult children to help them articulate their emerging philanthropic interests and identify corresponding nonprofits to fund. • Became a trusted advisor to many of our grantee partners by being accessible and forthright; my guidance often resulted in new fundraising strategies or program partners. • Helped grantee partners identify programming gaps and provided ad hoc seed funding to close them; these supplementary grants often included a challenge component to leverage additional financial support. • Advocated successfully within NYC’s philanthropic community on behalf of our grantee partners.• Created and maintained the Foundation’s website to celebrate grantee partners’ achievements and showcase our informal yet high-touch funding model. • Launched an annual essay competition where ~65 high school seniors affiliated with our grantee partners received $1,000-to-$2,500 college scholarships.

This was my introduction to philanthropy, where I learned the relationship-based style of grantmaking that has served me well ever since. • Gained a broad overview of NYC’s nonprofit landscape and deep knowledge of its arts institutions.• Developed extensive nonprofit contacts, who became the bedrock of my professional, community, and even social networks.

In planning the Museum’s fundraising events, Member openings, and Art Council programs, I worked closely with colleagues across the org chart, from Trustees to guards. I loved this mix and developed enduring relationships at all levels.

Planned all of the Borough President's public events; in doing so, worked closed with grassroots community groups throughout the Borough.

Wrote press releases and newsletters; planned public ceremonies throughout Brooklyn.