Samantha "Sam" Nelson
About Samantha "Sam" Nelson
Samantha 'Sam' Nelson is a Senior Associate at Catalyst Inc., specializing in donor impact and engagement within the nonprofit sector. She advocates for diversity and empathy in nonprofit leadership and has held various roles at notable institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and SFMOMA.
Current Role at Catalyst Inc.
Samantha Nelson serves as a Senior Associate in Donor Impact & Engagement at Catalyst Inc. since 2022. In this role, she focuses on enhancing donor relationships and improving engagement strategies. Her work emphasizes the importance of diversity and empathy in nonprofit leadership and operations, aligning with the organization's mission to foster inclusive practices.
Previous Experience in Nonprofit Sector
Samantha has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having held various positions at notable institutions. She worked as a Development Operations Coordinator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for three months in 2021. Prior to that, she served as an Onsite Membership Assistant at SFMOMA from 2016 to 2017 and as an Administrative Assistant in Education and Public Practice at SFMOMA from 2017 to 2018. Her roles have involved development operations, membership engagement, and educational programming.
Education and Expertise
Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and History from Santa Clara University, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2015. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University, completing her studies in 2022. Her academic background supports her expertise in development operations and systems within the nonprofit sector.
Commitment to Diversity and Communication
Samantha advocates for diversity and empathy in nonprofit leadership. She is committed to enhancing communication strategies within nonprofit settings, focusing on creating equitable and sustainable practices. Her approach aims to improve engagement and operational effectiveness in organizations she collaborates with.
Internship and Early Career Experience
Samantha's early career includes various internships and assistant roles that laid the foundation for her expertise in the arts and nonprofit sectors. She interned at the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation in 2015 and worked as an Education Coordinator at de Saisset Museum from 2014 to 2015. These experiences contributed to her understanding of nonprofit operations and educational programming.