Company/Organization: United Way of Broome County
Job Title: Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Since graduating BLI, I was promoted to Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at United Way of Broome County, where I serve as a member of the Leadership team. In my role, I not only oversee all digital marketing and communications strategies, but I also provide community and organizational leadership that positions the organization as a leader in volunteerism to create measurable impact in our community.
In early 2019, my now-fiancé and I got engaged in Italy! We are scheduled to get married in August 2021 – planning a wedding in the middle of a global pandemic is quite terrifying!
Favorite books/movies (feel free to provide short explanation/commentary): I don’t have a lot of free time in “normal” everyday life, but during the COVID-19 shutdown this past Spring, I decided to re-read the entire Harry Potter series for the umpteenth time. Definitely, my favorite books growing up! I typically binge-watch television series on Netflix and Hulu – get invested in characters and then feel lost for a day or two once I’m done with a series. Can anyone relate? Childhood classics like The Sandlot, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Mary Poppins are always worth a re-watch.
Current and Past Notable Civic Activities (boards, organizations, [member/officer]):
BLI Alumni Associate Board
Emerging Leaders Society, United Way of Broome County
Junior Achievement
YP Alliance Member
Interests/Hobbies (sports, music, travel, etc.): Up until March 2020, I was an active staff member of The FUSE Dance Center. As a staff member, I taught and choreographed for kids of all ages. The best part was fostering relationships with children and their parents and watching these tiny 3 & 4-year-old dancers make new friends, learn new things, and experience the world of dance for the first time.
My absolute favorite hobby is traveling. In a pre-COVID world, I would do my best to hop on a plane and travel every 3-4 months. My parents are Italian immigrants, so Italy and Europe hold a special place in my heart – visiting family and friends a few times a year is just the recharge I need!
How did your BLI experience change your perception of the community, and motivate you to become more involved in the community: As a lifelong resident of Broome County, I thought I had a solid understanding of the community. However, BLI opened my eyes to many new things I didn’t know existed or how they supported the community. I not only learned of businesses and organizations that I was unaware of, but it was amazing to see the overlap between economic development, the non-profit community, small businesses, and all the various systems that intertwine to make this community as unique as it is. As a member of the non-profit community, it was remarkable to witness the impact and influence these organizations have on our community, businesses, and overall well-being of Broome County in action.
Where would you like to see a future BLI class or leadership event held in the area: Factory by Beer Tree once it opens!
What was your most memorable BLI activity/moment: My time as a member of the 2018 class was extraordinary. Interestingly enough, I met my new next-door neighbor that day! He recognized me from the neighborhood, and I was completely caught off-guard! It was fantastic to have a neighbor – carpool was easy!
I would also say our class project “Act of Kindness” day was memorable. Spending the day with passionate leaders in the community doing random and planned acts of kindness across Broome County was humbling and fulfilling. It not only brought us closer as a class, but seeing the smiles of individuals was worth it! From giving out gas cards on the street, paying for stranger’s coffee, leaving coins and laundry detergent at local laundromats to providing donations to the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference and new baby care packages for struggling new parents, I like to think the day was memorable for many, many people.
What was the most valuable benefit to you from your BLI experience: Connections. I made many new friends and professional connections. Many times, our class connects through social media or plans the occasional get-together. Seeing a class member out is the community is always the best – always picking up where we left off!
What “nugget of wisdom” do you have for your fellow BLI alum: Enjoy every session! It goes by quicker than you think! It’s much more than a leadership program. Connect with your classmates and keep in touch long after the sessions are over.