Her Story
About Christy
I've been in fundraising for about 11 years now, and I currently serve as Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Fund at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, where I've been for a little over 4 years. In this role, I've really launched myself more into a visionary capacity, focusing on the strategy component of how to reach the right people with the right messaging, whether it's engaging alums in volunteer opportunities or opportunities to give back to the school financially. I'm also revamping our annual fund program, which provides unrestricted dollars that help support the school and financial aid. I would say I excel at higher level strategy, but I'm also a doer - I'm very task-oriented. Because we're a small team, I put a plan in place but also take on the tasks to make sure that the plan is successful. A lot of people ask me how I can ask people for money, but it's an art and a skill. I don't walk into a room not knowing someone and just ask for money - you build relationships, and they know what you're there for. I love doing it, even though I know it's not for everybody. Collaboration and teamwork are really at the heart of what I do, and I think you're stronger as a group than as a single person out there floating around trying to get things done. In December, I received an award from the provost for cross-campus collaboration, along with 4 other colleagues, for an event that I spearheaded out in the San Francisco area. It was nice to be acknowledged for that.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say I have such a strong support system around me, and people who give me some really interesting perspectives, not only just in work, but in life in general. I am who I am because they support me. They say, 'Hey, that's a crazy idea, go for it,' or 'Hey, that's a crazy idea, maybe you think about it a little more.' I literally was just talking to my mom yesterday about other opportunities I have on the horizon, and she was like, 'Okay, let's think about this, this, and this.' I just have great, amazing friends and family around me that really help me weigh my options, and they're my biggest cheerleaders.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice that I give to people I mentor all the time is - and my kid is 21, so she's going through this 'I don't know what I want to be' phase - I remind them that I have been so many iterations of who I am that have all led me to the woman that I am right here today. Pick something that you find joy in. Pursue it. When there's a point where it doesn't bring you joy anymore, there's always pivots, and your life can be a series of pivots. It's not a linear process. We also aren't stuck in this mindset anymore where you get a job and work for years and retire. That is not the landscape we live in anymore.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think being genuine, just being authentic about who you are, being unapologetic about that, and going forth in a way that people always know your word is your word and they can trust you to get things done. Just being a genuine person, being authentic about who you are. It's not a small feat for some people - they don't have quite a grasp on that yet.
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