Sam’s drive to strengthen nonprofits comes from her desire to build and support more loving communities, everywhere. At Elevate, she has played multiple roles on client teams with experience working as a Project Coordinator, a Grant Writer, and a Director. She has worked on a wide range of direct service and advocacy clients, demonstrating particular strength working with clients in the education space. She brings client relationship management, leadership skills, and a passion for Elevate’s work to her role as Supervising Director.

Prior to joining the Elevate team, Sam spent time working in international development, education, and housing services spaces. She executed multiple research projects in Uganda and worked as a Research Assistant for the Ford Family Development Program at the University of Notre Dame, where she supported the program’s maternal health initiative in Kenya. Sam served as a 2014 Teach For America corps member in Colorado taught both 1st grade and 3rd grade Special Education. She also spent five years in various management roles at the Root Cafe in Cleveland, whose mission is to provide accessible, local, and organic food to its community members in addition to supporting community building through music, the arts, and conversation.

Sam received her BA in Political Science and Poverty Studies from the University of Notre Dame and completed a Specialization in Fundraising and Development through UC Davis in 2022.

Sam spends the bulk of her free time outside with her husband and three babies. She loves learning about herbalism and gardening, hiking, yoga, and drinking sparkling water.