I went into college knowing I wanted to major in art history, and that’s what I did! I completed several internships in the arts during undergrad, capping off my internship experience as the Peggy Phelps Curatorial Intern at the Williamson Gallery.A Pomona art history professor suggested the 4+1 program at CGU in Art Business and advised me to ask Williamson Gallery Director Mary MacNaughton to be my undergrad advisor (thanks, Professor Gorse!). To graduate from my Master’s program on time I needed to overload my schedule, which is where my relationship with now Professor Emerita and former Williamson Gallery Director Mary MacNaughton became really key. She offered me the opportunity to create an independent study at the gallery assisting with the 2019 Scripps College Collector’s Circle, a fundraising and acquisition event. That’s how I got my start in fundraising, which is my profession now.Currently, I am the Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Museum of Flight in Seattle. I caught the fundraising bug at the Williamson, and got my professional start in fundraising as an Annual Giving Manager at an independent school in Seattle. That was a perfect introductory role to fundraising, as it allowed me to learn a variety of philanthropy skills, which is where I had my first experience doing corporate fundraising. I enjoyed the partnership aspect, the creative mindset to fulfillment, and the collaborative spirit. I also maintain my passion for art education by teaching different crafts at The Works, an amazing, woman-owned crafting studio. This job is so fun, it allows me to carve out time for my creative pursuits, be in community, and make great connections.Fundraising and corporate partnerships feels like a great fit for art history students; you really get to use your skills in research, relationship building, and creative problem solving. There are so many avenues to forge a career in fundraising: higher education, nonprofits, museums, sports, you name it! I’m always happy to talk to Scripps students. Reach out if you have questions!
