The Citizen Sector

One of the coolest courses I’ve ever taken is my NGO Management and Leadership taught by Dr. Adil Najam, president of the Worldwide Wildlife Fund. He is funny, brilliant and possesses a better understanding of the nonprofit sphere than anyone else. Chapters from our textbook were practical guidelines for my daily tasks. I kept it by my desk during every work day and often kept it open during Zoom meetings.Working with misison-driven nonprofits that fill crucial social and political gaps enabled me to channel my passion for supporting my community. These organizations show compassion and require a genuine commitment to service. It’s as fulfilling, rewarding, messy and fun as any career.

Currently I serve as the Fulbright Anchor City Cultural Enrichment Coordinator for WorldBoston organizing 10 events over the 2024-2025 academic year for Fulbrighters across the New England. Previous to this role, I was a Citizens Diplomacy Intern working on the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). I programmed 10 IVLP projects for over 100 visitors, secured $7,500 in grant and sponsorship funding, wrote several accepted project proposals, assisted with events, and supported resource management and community relations efforts.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, I served as the Advocacy Associate for Boston Climate Action Network, a nonprofit which organizes Boston residents and collaborates with social justice allies advocating for climate justice and urgent action by the City of Boston and other policymakers. BCAN possess decades of experience partnering with community organizations and elected officials on transformative climate priorities including energy efficiency, building decarbonization and public schools. I was our liaison to the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund Coalition, advocating for the passage of H.3232 creating a $300M fund to jumpstart major building decarbonization projects and securing $425M for building decarbonization in the $4.1B Affordable Homes Act. With the chance to put my NGO course material to good use, I created a nonprofit dashboard measuring the organization’s impact and presented it to the board of directors. I oversaw our expansion into Allston-Brighton, including co-hosting events on sustainability and Mass Save in the fall. In September, Innovate @ BU invited me to moderate the opening panel announcing the 2023 BU Climate Innovation Challenge. It was an absolute pleasure to return as the Emcee for the Climate Innovation Challenge Finale in March as well.

Volunteering in your community makes our society stronger. A few hours of time here and there has the power to expand your network while giving back to others. It is a unique avenue to get to know your neighbors, develop your own personal growth and meaningfully address the issues you care about. My time as a Fundraising and Programs volunteer at the Brookline Senior Center and Spanish Interpreter at Project Citizenship gave me opportunities to connect residents to government programs they need. Everyone knows the world needs more love, so see what you can do for your community and your energies will be returned to you tenfold.

 Credentials

• Fulbright Coordinator for WorldBoston (2024-2025)

• Citizens Diplomacy Programs Intern for WorldBoston (2024)

• Advocacy Associate for Boston Climate Action Network (2023-2024)

• Outreach and Press Coordinator for DREAM Venture Labs (2023-2024)

• Fundraising and Programs Volunteer for Brookline Senior Center (2023)

• Spanish Interpreter for Project Citizenship (2023)

• Institutional Relations and Governmental Affairs Intern for Club de Madrid (2020)

 Cool Story

At the Brookline Senior Center, I helped seniors register for the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for which my former boss Rep. Kevin Honan secured $5M in the FY23 budget. It feels like a full circle moment to see both sides of the coin from funding a vital social program to making sure residents who need help the most receive it.