WhoIsShe? SHEGIVES Member Sydney Atkins Mason

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING, PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES YOU ARE INVOLVED IN?

A: I am a new board member at both UAspire and BUILD, two Boston-based organizations that are doing fantastic things for our youth population. UAspire is making a college education accessible and affordable for underprovided kids by utilizing untapped, existing financial aid money and channeling it through masterful programming and tutelage in the public schools. BUILD, a “college success program,” utilizes entrepreneurship to engage and empower youth. I have had the privilege of being a part of the journey as these kids enter the program as raw, misguided freshman and transform into confident, capable entrepreneurs, ready to tackle the difficult challenges of business and their promising lives ahead. UAspire and BUILD are two truly extraordinary organizations that are changing the lives of so many young leaders!

Q: AGREED! WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE OFTEN FIND SURPRISING, OR SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW, ABOUT SERVING ON A BOARD?

A: I believe we (especially women) underestimate the magnitude of what we have to give and just how important our contributions can be to an organization. As a board member (and perspective board member) we have many currencies that can be transformative. While money, professional experience, network, and fundraising are more obvious, there are other factors involved. We also have things like fresh perspectives, objective opinions, diverse experiences, and an ability to listen, identify problems, find solutions, support, and innovate. We can help build teams, lead people, and generate buy-in. I hope more women will remember this as they consider taking on new board positions and as they reflect on their ability to add value in existing board roles; often we are surprised just how much our varied contributions impact organizations the most!

Q: YOU HAVE SUCH A FULL LIFE OF ACTIVE, CREATIVE, AND PHILANTHROPIC PURSUITS. TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES!

A: Nothing makes me happier than to spend time on the ocean sailing or up in the mountains skiing on a powder day. No matter how much I have going on in my life, time seems to slow down on the water and up in the mountains! Spending time with family and friends and playing outdoors is how I recharge and relax.

Q: THAT DESCRIPTION MAKES ME WANT TO HEAD OUTSIDE RIGHT AWAY! LAST QUESTION: WHO BROUGHT YOU INTO SHEGIVES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT HER?

A: Val Friedman introduced me to SheGives. Val is one of the most incredible women I know! She is a natural connector and loves bring people together. Val’s zest for life is contagious, and she always has a multitude of interesting things going on in her life, which she balances seamlessly. It is not uncommon to have Val introduce two people and say, “You two should get to know each other,” followed by a thoughtful and flattering synopsis of their common interests. Val has a huge heart and is a wonderful role model for all of us!

SheGives connects committed, inquisitive, engaged donors with a slate of diligenced nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. We provide members with relevant data about the nonprofits in our portfolio and an opportunity to meet directly with our nonprofits’ Executive Directors and senior staff in small settings that promote in-depth q&a’s and, ultimately, informed giving. Giving is personally driven, but because we give side-by-side our collective impact is greater. See a list of the vetted nonprofits selected for our slate here.

WhoIsShe is a regular column featuring an appreciative but sometimes irreverent conversation with a SheGives Member.