Welcome to SheJumps, Vivian! We’re excited to have you and learn more about you.
As the Development Manager, Vivian (she/her) plays an integral role in the fulfillment of SheJumps' mission and vision. She is responsible for connecting individual donors with SheJumps, and building a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
Q&A with Vivian
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
Movement and the outdoors have always been at the center of my life, but that has taken many forms throughout the years. Growing up, I trained as a modern dancer and continued to pursue that passion in college. It was then that I began to create dances inspired by the landscape around me, ushering in a whole new way of relating to the outdoors. Today you can find me carving down a ski run, gravel-riding on the backroads, or switch-backing up a mountain on foot. So while the forms have changed, my love for the outdoors runs deep.
I currently live in Oregon, and find deep satisfaction in connecting with my community, caring for family, dancing with friends, and finding new ways to experience joy in the outdoors.
Q: What is your vision for SheJumps?
My vision for SheJumps is to foster strong relationships across the entire SheJumps community. In my work as Development Manager, I focus on individual donors and giving. But beyond raising critical funds for SheJumps, my greater purpose is to grow meaningful relationships with members of our community, including our volunteers, participants, and supporters. The deeper the connection we all have with the mission of our organization, the more support we will gather.
Q: What connects you to the mission of SheJumps? (share your why)
The outdoors has been a place of refuge and joy for my entire life. However, I didn’t always feel like I had what I needed to thrive in the activities I dreamed of pursuing. It wasn’t until I connected with the SheJumps community that I began to develop the skills and self-confidence I had been missing. SheJumps has played an essential role in my personal growth, and I want to do everything I can to provide that opportunity for others.
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I feel most present and alive when skiing in the mountains. I will chase that feeling as long as I can! But I also love spending time paddling on the water, appreciating a slower pace and observing diverse wildlife.
Q: How has the outdoors benefited your health and overall physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing?
Spending time outdoors makes me feel small in the best way. When I’m outdoors, experiencing the land and breathing in the elements, I feel so connected to something bigger than myself. It helps put everything into perspective, and is something I seek out as much as I possibly can.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
One of my early career mentors once told me to always do what comes next. I’ll admit that at first, I had no idea what this meant. But now I’ve learned that she meant to take every opportunity as they emerge; that by listening and trusting yourself, you’ll know what to do next when the time comes. This piece of advice has truly become a guiding principle in all aspects of my life.
Connect with Vivian on LinkedIn.