Over two decades of community building experience in non-profit and tech space

My community building origin story involves an unlikely main character: Cancer

I was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma at age 13, around the time that I was just starting to discover myself, form my identity and make plans for the future. Before my diagnosis, I served as a leader of several sports teams, drug-free groups, my student council and youth group. But after treatment, much of my life was vastly different, including my school and social circle, and I dove into fundraising and patient advocacy.

Over the past 27 years, I have raised over $57M for cancer research and treatment for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a volunteer, board member and senior leader on their Strategic Partnerships team. In 2019, after leaving my full-time position there, I continued building community in the tech space, creating a social impact startup to support the mental and emotional well-being of fellow cancer thrivers and the folks who love and care for them, called buddhi. Not only did I build incredible relationships within the cancer and chronic illness community, but in the tech/startup space. One thing that I love about the community space is how serendipitous connections can be--both in facilitating introductions and receiving them! ✨ After I was faced with the heartbreaking decision to wind down operations at buddhi, I was fortunate enough to build community at OwnTrail, forming strategic partnerships with community builders across the tech space, with a focus on #AuthenTech organizations.

As for what's next, I am open to exploring roles leading community for companies who have product-market fit, funding and an HR department. :)