Hungry for Endless Possibilities

When asked in my initial interview with The Patterson Foundation, "What else do you want us to know about you?" I answered, "I may be the youngest fellow you will ever have, but I am the hungriest."

Two years ago, I was intrigued by TPF's Experiential Learning Study Away course, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow muscles I didn't know I had. Through Michael Corley, Mike Oxman, and Larry Clark, on the Margin & Mission Ignition initiative, I learned an innovative way to approach sustainable funding for nonprofits. From there, I was hungry for more, so I kept the Fellows Program in the back of my mind as I continued onward in pursuit of my degree.

When a second course, Beyond the Check, taught by Debra Jacobs, became available, I immediately registered. That is where I learned that working with The Patterson Foundation is like going to 15 different foundations. TPF has a variety of initiatives to offer, and within each initiative, there is an array of projects, programs, and approaches to philanthropy. That is why I applied.

At the end of my master's program, I felt like I had accomplished all the goals I set for myself. I graduated with my B.A. and my M.A. in four years from IUPUI’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. I'm newly married, a public speaker, an avid hiker, and a cat mom. Upon realizing I had accomplished everything I set out to do, I realized just how much I wanted to work in the space of endless possibilities. The Patterson Foundation values focusing on shared aspirations, meaning they don't arrive with the answer, leaving space open for opportunity. I was so happy when I became a TPF Fellow because this position means endless possibilities personally, professionally, and externally in the beautiful community of Sarasota.

During this next year, I look forward to learning innovative approaches and strategies within philanthropy, building connective tissue, strengthening muscles I already have, and growing muscles I didn't have before. All while learning, evolving, and sharing with my fellow TPFers.

The next time I get asked, "What do you want us to know about you?" I will have endless possibilities to share what makes me, me.