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 as both a Project Coordinator and Grant Writer and worked on a wide range of direct service and advocacy clients, demonstrating particular strength managing complex data projects and working with education focused clients. 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 the international development, education, and housing services spaces. She spent time as a researcher 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 working as a 3rd grade Special Education teacher. 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 has been a Registered Yoga Teacher since 2017 with a mission to teach accessible, body- positive yoga.

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