Ambassador Spotlight #4!

Name:

Alex Parks 

How long have you been an ambassador?

Leila and I have had the pleasure of submitting grant applications to the Ascienzo Family Foundation since 2015

What organization(s) have you been proud to sponsor?

We just submitted our sixth grant application for The Home for Little Wanderers, a Boston nonprofit that helps our most at-risk children succeed in their lives. 

Thoughts you have on your advocacy and the organization(s).

For years, we've felt strongly about advocating for children who do not have the stability in their homes that they deserve. For example, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many children going to Boston Public Schools lived in situations where food outside of school was scarce, and violence in their homes and communities was prevalent. As many more parents in Boston have lost their jobs over the last eight months, the number of children experiencing distress in their lives has only increased. During this extraordinary moment in history, Leila and I feel it's more important than ever to support organizations that are helping all children live happy, healthy lives.  

If you are in a profession or field of work, what background/present employment status would you like to share? What do you really enjoy about what you do?

In 2010 I graduated from Brandeis University summa cum laude with a B.A. in economics and philosophy, and for the last decade I've been working in public relations. In 2015, I started my own business to provide organizations with high-quality and cost-effective PR services. You can read more about what I do at http://www.alexparkscommunications.com/

Anything you'd like to share about your personal life? Fun thing or things you still do, in spite of the pandemic?

We have a three year old, which makes for nonstop fun! Jack is a happy, energetic, and curious little boy. We spend lots of time building towers, singing and dancing, and going on walks to the many playgrounds near our home in Boston. I've included a picture of us apple picking. Since we were the only people in the field, we took our masks off for a moment to snap a selfie. (see above)

Ambassador Spotlight #3!

Name:

Emma Donohue

How long have you been an ambassador?

Three years

What organization(s) have you been proud to sponsor?

City Harvest

Thoughts you have on your advocacy and the organization(s).

Volunteering with City Harvest has been an incredible experience in New York.  Not only because the organization has so many donations coming in and being distributed amongst various networks but because it hits close to home with my work in Red Hook.  As part of the Nourish Your Neighbor campaign, I have put a strong emphasis on food availability, especially healthy options that are more expensive at grocery stores.  Through AFF and City Harvest, my interest in food security and education has been fostered and allowed to grow to support each community I am a part of.  

If you are in a profession or field of work, what background/present employment status would you like to share? What do you really enjoy about what you do?

I graduated from undergrad in 2018 from Bard College with a double degree in Russian History & Literature and Environmental and Urban Studies with an emphasis in environmental science.  Currently, I work with the Rockefeller University in New York as a lab manager in a neurobiology laboratory.  My favorite part of working where I do is the learning opportunities it has afforded me where I have developed transferable skills in computer softwares, scientific procedures, and interpersonal communication for effective execution of long-term projects.

Anything you'd like to share about your personal life? Fun thing or things you still do, in spite of the pandemic?

Even though the pandemic is ongoing, I have rekindled my love for reading which I always felt I didn't have time for with school and then starting new jobs.  Additionally, I have continued my passion for lifting and push myself physically to stay healthy an keep myself happy during such a stressful time. 

Red Hook Together

For several years the AFF has participated in a monthly forum/gathering of local community members in a group known as Red Hook Together. Over the last eight months we have assembled online, but look forward to meeting physically again in 2021 in a post-pandemic environment. Representatives from public and private organizations - the RH Public Library, the Red Hook Schools, Bard’s Center for Civic Engagement, nonprofits like us, the RH Community Center, businesses, and municipal governments - share their calendars of upcoming events, as well as any initiatives which we have a vested interest in. It is an open platform - any community member is invited to attend - presently focusing on responses to our ongoing health & economic crisis. Moderated by Sarah deVeer and Erin Cannan from Bard’s CCE we promote inclusiveness and community building in support of each other’s needs/concerns. While not affiliated with any governmental agency, our voices are well received by those who are!

Ambassador Spotlight #2!

Name: 

Tom Triebwasser

How long have you been an ambassador?

Since the beginning!

What organization(s) have you been proud to sponsor?

Sunflower Bakery

Thoughts you have on your advocacy and the organization(s).

Sunflower Bakery helps people with developmental differences learn the craft of baking. They teach the students how to work in an industrial kitchen, as well as help with placement into full time jobs at bakeries around the area. It’s very rewarding to see the students progress and grow, and the baked treats are a wonderful bonus!

If you are in a profession or field of work, what background/present employment status would you like to share? What do you really enjoy about what you do?

Systems engineering. I love working with customers to help define and implement complex, technical solutions to meet their most pressing needs. 

Anything you'd like to share about your personal life? Fun thing or things you still do, in spite of the pandemic?

Hiking and walking with my family - anything to get outside and enjoy exercise in our physically distant world!

You can read more about Tom’s experience as an AFF ambassador advocating for Sunflower Bakery in a past blog post here.

Ambassador Spotlight #1!

Name:

Brita Brudvig

How long have you been an ambassador?

3 years

What organization(s) have you been proud to sponsor?

Ruffner Mountain Outreach Program

Thoughts you have on your advocacy and the organization(s).

I'm really grateful to the AFF for the encouragement and support to get involved in the city I now call home. I have loved getting connected with the nonprofit sector, even though I do not work in it. Ruffner has been a wonderful organization to advocate for and see the impact of AFF contributions. In the face of the pandemic, I have seen them make tough decisions to stay available to the local community.

If you are in a profession or field of work, what background/present employment status would you like to share? What do you really enjoy about what you do?

I am an actuarial student at Protective Life Insurance Company (only one exam left before my ASA!). One of my favorite things about my job is that two years or so, students rotate to another area of actuarial work. Between the rotation program and exams, I feel like I'm always learning something new. I find this career very fulfilling. A big part of what actuaries do is ensuring that the company can meet its obligations to policyholders.

Anything you'd like to share about your personal life? Fun thing or things you still do, in spite of the pandemic?

My boyfriend and I live within walking distance of Ruffner and we have been going for a lot more runs and hikes with our two dogs. I appreciate more than ever having accessible green space!