Ash Berry

This is a photo of me (left) and my friend getting bubble tea together while on study abroad.

Degree: Master of Nonprofit Management

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2024

Prior Degree
Anthropology, SUNY Purchase, Purchase, New York
Certificate of Graduate Study in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA

2023 Scholarship
Walton Arts Management Scholarship

I Am Originally From Albany, New York

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose the University of Oregon because of the College of Design’s PPPM Masters Program. The program offers a more experiential approach to the lessons, which I find valuable in being successful professionally. I like being at the College of Design because of its supportive network, my program is small and I can have a more personal connection with the professors and my peers. It has offered me a lot of opportunities so far.

Having a meaningful career has always been important to me, having a positive impact on the world around me. Seeing a need in our social service system and wanting to help people brought me to studying nonprofit management.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
Before UO I was working for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities for New York State, working in grants and contracts. Going into nonprofit work, this experience with the state is the other side of the grant process for most nonprofits seeking government funding.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Dyana Mason has been a big influence on me since the beginning. She was the first person I talked to when I was looking to transfer graduate schools and move across the country. Her support throughout my time before and after starting the program has been a huge help. In getting to know her on the NGOs of Southeast Asia trip, she has helped open my eyes to new perspectives and helped me as a scholar.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
Being part of the study abroad cohort for the NGOs of Southeast Asia program was one of my greatest learning experieinces.

AFTER GRADUATION
My goal is to have a successful career where I can bring my creativity and passion as an integral part of a nonprofit organization, especially one that uses art and art making to push its mission forward.

YOUR GIFT
The scholarship is important to me in securing my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and space to be more involved in the community. It’s also a validating notion that this is the right path I’m on.

Thank you so much! Thank you for believing in and supporting me and other students with similar dreams. It is appreciated.