Name: Alexandra Greenwald (Alex)
Pronouns: she/her
Job title: Director of Communications and Marketing
Organization: Chicago Scholars
Time in role: One year
College: Kenyon College; University of Chicago Divinity School
Area of study/expertise: Religious Studies, specifically American Christianity in the late 20th and 21st Centuries
What do you like most about working in the nonprofit sector?
I love being able to see the impact of my work on my community. Also, Chicago Scholars serves first-generation college-going students and students from low-income backgrounds -- I was both when I enrolled at Kenyon, so I'm really excited to help ease that transition for others.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time in the LI?
I want to build connections with other young nonprofit professionals and create a long-term group of people who can serve as peer mentors and sounding boards to each other. It's been so nice hearing from others in this sector and seeing things from their perspectives!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I've always got a couple writing projects in the works. I usually have some research obsession too -- you can find me in the library on my lunch break checking out piles of books.
Personal mantra?
"Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!" (Thanks, Miss Frizzle)
Best memory of working in nonprofits so far?
I get the enormous privilege of helping our Scholars get ready to be interviewed by the press. They're all so smart and talented, and it's so fun to see them shine in front of the public. My favorite moment so far was at our major college admissions event last fall -- I was standing with a reporter who'd just finished interviewing some students, and she couldn't stop talking about how amazing the Scholars were. All I could say was "I know, right?!" I was just so proud of them, and my organization, and so thrilled that even a reporter who meets thousands of people a year could see that these kids were special.
How would you describe your job to a child?
I help people tell their stories in a way that makes the important parts stand out.
What was the last thing that made you stronger?
Getting cats who need their nails trimmed on a regular basis. You need nerves of steel for that chore.
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