Central MA Up + Comer: Clark University MBA Student Abigail Donahue
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Clark University MBA student Abigail Donahue has made huge strides in her career in global public health, research, and program implementation.
SW: What career have you chosen to move forward in?
AD: I am pursuing a career in global public health, community based research, and program implementation. I became interested in these fields from studying International Development and Social Change as my major during my undergraduate career at Clark University.
SW: Can you explain exactly what your position entails?
AD: I am the Program Coordinator and Board Liaison with Ivy Child International. This position enables me to work in the community doing mental health programming for kids as well as helping with the daily functions of the organization.
SW: Can you describe a typical day in your life?
AD: Most of my days are filled with work and course commitments. I am currently a full time graduate student in Clark University Graduate School of Management’s MBA program. This fall I will also take on the role as Graduate Assistant for Clark’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship department. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors or hanging out with my four wonderful roommates.
SW: There is a lot of talk about high college debt for your generation. Is that something you have had to deal with?
AD: I am very grateful that I will be leaving college without debt. I am lucky to have a family that has supported my education as well as some scholarship money. I was recently accepted into Clark’s fifth year tuition-free master's program. This opportunity will make a huge difference in my career without the burden of accumulated debt.
SW: What is your dream job?
AD: It is my dream to work towards ensuring that all people, specifically vulnerable populations, can have access to health care. My work with Ivy Child is a wonderful entrance into this field as our programs focus on improving mental health care for children. Many of the children that we work with would otherwise not have access to this care that is crucial to their development.
SW: What is your favorite piece of technology?
AD: My favorite piece of technology is an airplane. I have always been passionate about travel, experiencing new cultures, and learning languages. None of this would be possible without the wonderful airplane.
SW: What is on your iPod?
AD: I listen to many different types of music, but one of my favorite artists is Beyoncé. I wakeup every morning to ‘Love on Top’ as my alarm; it always puts me in a good mood.
SW: What is your favorite social networking site?
AD: I try not to use social networking too much, but like how Facebook makes it easy to keep in touch with people while you are far away. I owe some long lasting friendships to Facebook and Skype, as they ease communication from across the country or around the world.
SW: What do you do away from your career?
AD: Away from work I love spending time with friends, playing soccer, swimming, traveling, and cooking. I have also spent time over the past four years as a volunteer EMT with Clark EMS. This position involves spending time training and improving my skills, as well as responding to medical emergencies on campus.
SW: Who is the biggest influence in your life?
AD: My mom is definitely at the top of that list. I am so grateful for her support as she has always encouraged me to pursue my interests. She is one of the most kind, compassionate, and hardest working people that I know. She inspires me with her dedication to serving the community and making the world a better place.
SW: What is something few people know about you?
AD: Many people don’t know that I learned to speak Wolof, a Senegalese tribal language, while studying abroad during my undergraduate career. I have a passion for language learning and also learned to speak French during my time abroad.
SW: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AD: In ten years I can see myself continuing to learn, adventure, progress in my field of International Development and Social Change.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Susan Wagner has been known for driving events, initiatives, launches, and openings through her company Susan Wagner PR. In this challenging economy, she has begun a new division to offer affordable start-up packages to new and emerging small businesses and non-profit organizations that include professional writing services, websites, collateral, marketing, social media, grassroots outreach and PR campaigns.
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