Why were you interested in becoming a philanthropy fellow with Crimsonbridge?
I was initially interested in working at Crimsonbridge because of its programs focused on Catholic education, the Education Imperative and Bridges for Schools programs. I want to be a Catholic school teacher and learning from my coworkers and the foundation’s community partners about the needs and missions of Catholic schools will greatly benefit me in my future career. This summer has prepared me to better understand and serve my students, their families, schools, and the broader community. With this experience, I hope to contribute to movements in Catholic education to implement practices that make it more inclusive and accessible to all those who wish to give their children the enriching experience of a Catholic education.
Part of Crimsonbridge’s philanthropic approach is to participate, engage, listen, and learn with the communities we support. Did you have the opportunity to meet any community partners?
A unique opportunity that the fellowship allowed was going on-site and meeting community partners. I had the privilege of attending Hispanic Liaison Appreciation Day at the Archdiocese of Washington. This event was in recognition of the incredible work that Catholic school educators, staff, and volunteers do to engage their communities in Catholic education. As “gente puente,” they provide vital translation and family liaison support services for current and prospective Latino families. It was inspiring to be among educators who so desire to help their communities and the various roles they play to foster welcoming school environments. I was impacted by their joy and generosity, motivating me to work hard to be a dynamic teacher.
What was your favorite program area, and why?
I worked mainly in the Education program area. During the summer, Crimsonbridge receives final reports and proposals from Catholic schools through their Bridges for Schools program. I reviewed and summarized these reports and proposals for record-keeping, program improvement, and technical assistance purposes. As someone who has studied education and pedagogy, it was fascinating to read about the various initiatives schools are implementing to make their environments more inclusive and foster deeper learning and connection within their community.
What is one skill you learned that you might use in the future?
Crimsonbridge is currently developing a website dedicated to their Bridges for School program. Website development is something totally outside of my realm of skills, but it has been a learning experience to be a part of the website design process and curating content for a specific audience. This website will be a tool for Catholic school leaders to learn about the program, gain insight to the application process, find resources, and get inspiration from other schools’ successful practices. The website is set to debut in the fall, and I am very excited to see its impact in increasing Catholic schools’ connection to philanthropy and Hispanic family engagement.
What’s next for Emily?
In the fall, I will be starting my senior year at Catholic University, where I study Theology and Secondary Education. I am thankful for my experience at Crimsonbridge and the opportunity it provided me to expand my vision of what Catholic education can be and how philanthropy can support this mission.