I started as a psychology major but changed to English my sophomore year.

After graduation I worked for a short time in a small PR/Advertising agency, but that was not my passion. I then took a job doing special events for a non-profit. From there I worked on community events for a small municipality. I loved doing special events for non-profits, but it was hard to find another job that encompassed both of those things and not fundraising. My next job, at the Red Cross focused on special event fundraising. However, the burn out on special event work is high, and after a few years my focus shifted to just fundraising with corporate partners of the Red Cross. Upon coming back to Austin, I knew I wanted to work for UT. My fundraising work now focuses on building an affinity for our school and developing a major gifts program, primarily for individuals.

I always participated in volunteer work as a child. I wanted to give back to the community and work in non profit but was not interested in becoming a social worker.

I have been a fundraiser for over 10 years and have raised millions of dollars for academia and non-profits, including the American Red Cross. I got into fundraising because after college I wanted to plan fundraising events. After many years of special event planning, I began to focus on major gift work and moved away from events.

Follow your heart and passions. Don't ever have regrets, and don't be afraid to take a risk!

• Association for Fundraising Professionals