Member Highlight

How did you end up in grants management?

During a college internship, a mentor entrusted me with attending a grants seminar and report back with key insights. This experience ignited my interest and demonstrated the significance of funding as a mechanism for impact, strategic planning, and organizational sustainability. What began as a single assignment evolved into a sustained professional commitment grounded in purpose.

What is your favorite or most impactful grant program you have been a part of and why?

Rather than one single program, some of my most impactful work has been through my role at Sage Bionetworks, where I support research advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Being part of initiatives that promote open science, data sharing, and collaborative discovery allows me to contribute to solutions that have real-world implications for patients and families. This work resonates with me on a personal level and reinforces why I’m passionate about grants management as a vehicle for meaningful change. It’s inspiring to know that my behind-the-scenes work helps move critical science forward.

What is your biggest work challenge and how do you manage it?

Balancing multiple high-impact opportunities that frequently arise simultaneously, each with demanding timelines and expectations. I address this challenge by maintaining a high level of organization, prioritizing tasks strategically, and developing clear systems to safeguard quality while sustaining progress. Through disciplined planning and adaptability, I consistently deliver thoughtful, competitive, and award-caliber submissions, regardless of the workload.

What NGMA member benefit has been most useful to you?

Access to up-to-date educational resources and industry insights. Through NGMA’s webinars, trainings, and professional updates, I stay informed on evolving regulations, best practices, and real-world applications in the grants field, helping me sharpen my skills and strengthen compliance across complex portfolios.

How do you recharge after a long week at work?

I recharge by pouring back into the things that matter most to me – my family, my creativity, and my personal growth. Whether I’m spending intentional time with loved ones or developing content and ideas for my business, those moments help me decompress and refocus. They remind me why I work so hard and inspire me to show up strong the next week.