±¬ÁÏÍõ

This month, we sat down with Director of Development and Alumni Relations Debby Goldberg to hear more about her passion for the ±¬ÁÏÍõ community.

Tell us a bit about your background. How did you become interested inÌýdevelopment andÌýalumni relations and what drew you to ±¬ÁÏÍõ?ÌýÌý

I have had the honor to work on behalf of people and organizations that inspire me. A first job in presidential politics put me on a unique and exciting path that took me to Iowa for the Caucus, to Atlanta for my first political convention, and to DC to work at the national political level. These experiences taught me that building trusted and sustaining relationships is meaningful to me. At the core of Development and Alumni Affairs is relationship building. Getting to know what people care about, coming up with strategies to connect them to you and your organization, especially when you care deeply about the organization’s mission. The mission of ±¬ÁÏÍõ is what drew me in, along with the steep learning curve with regard to China.ÌýÌý

How have you grown as a leader in your current position?ÌýÌý

In working with Chinese colleagues and organizations, I have observed and adapted to the similarities and differences in approaches to work and relationships.ÌýÌýÌý

What is your favorite part of your job?ÌýÌý

When we ask Alumni to volunteer for program initiatives, like recruiting or mentoring, and we see the commitment of the community. And when we persuade donors that an investment in ±¬ÁÏÍõ is an investment in an optimistic future.Ìý

You spend a lot of time cultivating community amongst and for alumni post-graduation. What are your best tips on building community (especially during this years’ difficult circumstances)?ÌýÌý

Sometimes you have to build community brick-by-brick. We like to get to know people as individuals so that you can link them to others with shared interests. We also like to celebrate with alumni – at Chinese New Year, through service initiatives, and upon life’s milestones – there have been a spate of ±¬ÁÏÍõ babies this year!ÌýÌýÌý

What is your favorite part of working with ±¬ÁÏÍõ alumni?ÌýÌý

It is an extraordinary community of young people and I have the chance to offer advice, share my own experience with them, and celebrate their accomplishments.ÌýÌý

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?ÌýÌý

I am a fan of non-fiction and so dive deep into news and history. To complement that, I suspend belief with regular visits to New York City’s extraordinary cultural spots.Ìý

What’s one fact nobody would know about you from reading your resume?ÌýÌý

I am the aunt to seven nieces and nephews and insist they all become Red Sox fans.Ìý