Hometown: Manhasset
Alma Mater: Vassar College ’15
Industry/Career Role: Finance
Hobbies: traveling, eating, running
How did you get involved with Children’s Scholarship Fund and the Young Leaders Board?
A former co-chair, Jonathan Brand, introduced me to CSF and recommended that I join the Young Leaders Board.
Why is education important to you?
Education does not just end in the classroom. Education opens the door to a multitude of opportunities and enables people to excel in a subject that they are passionate about.
What is your favorite part of being involved with CSF and the Young Leaders?/What do you hope to learn or gain from being a YL member?
Aside from the opportunity to help families provide their children with the skills and resources required to excel, being involved with CSF has granted me the opportunity to meet young professionals who are just as dedicated to making a difference in the American education system. It has been a pleasure working with people who share similar interests as I do and I am beyond thankful to have the opportunity to meet such inspiring people.
Jackie Palma also ran the Brooklyn Half in 2016 and NYC Half in 2017 to support CSF! Here’s her story:
Who or what has inspired you to run the United Airlines NYC Half? If you’ve overcome a challenge or are raising awareness for an organization or cause, please include details.
CSF parents are determined to provide their children with the best possible education, despite their fiscal obstacles. I am inspired by their strength and focus on ensuring their children are supplied with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and reach their full potential. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and graduate a great institution, however, my grandmother could not afford such luxury. I ran for her and all the other families who are fighting for an education.
What makes your story different from any other?
My grandmother and my mother both immigrated to the US. Unfortunately, my grandmother was not given the opportunity to be educated; however, she realized its importance and fought to ensure my mother could obtain a quality education. Despite English as her second language, my mother took advantage of her education which became the backbone for a very successful career in the fashion industry. Inspired by both my grandmother and mother, I am passionate about sharing the gift of education with others, as it is a gift I was so lucky to receive.