When she was considering college majors, Emma Rota-Autry, B.A. ’23, recalls attending a career fair and stopping at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy booth. “They told me how you can turn your passion for helping others into an actual profession,” said Rota-Autry. That, along with the scholarship opportunities, sealed the deal for her and led her to pursue her degree in philanthropy – a decision that has shaped her career trajectory.
Philanthropy wasn’t new to Rota-Autry. She says she’s always had an innate passion to help others. That passion and a personal experience led her to where she is today. “I have been practicing philanthropy since my father was diagnosed with ALS,” said Rota-Autry. “His diagnosis opened me up to what nonprofits can provide.” After seeing how the ALS Association helped her father, she continued to volunteer to help others, including with the nonprofit Best Buddies.
Rota-Autry’s passion and experience was rewarded with a Thomasson Scholarship. Thanks to the four-year scholarship that covers the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and a semester for a study abroad, she was able to earn her degree debt-free. “That was such an amazing gift and experience,” she said. Another plus for her was getting to know the Thomasson family, as they routinely volunteer alongside the Scholars throughout the community. She was able to see first-hand the impact donors make on the lives of students. This experience inspired her to seek a job where she could be the liaison between donors and students. After earning her degree, her first position was in donor relations for the Purdue for Life Foundation.
She continues to give back through her career. She now works for Eskenazi Health Foundation as the development coordinator.
In her position, she has the opportunity for project management and also supports the teams that handle major gifts, special events, and donor relations. Through her family’s experience, she witnessed the impact donors have on recipients, now she works with donors looking to make an impact. “Just being there and getting to see the donors get so excited and do the ribbon cutting ceremony inspire me and keep me motivated,” said Rota-Autry.
Rota-Autry gives credit for her success to the opportunities she had as a student at IU Indianapolis and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Looking back, the best thing about attending Lilly Family School of Philanthropy was having so many resources and people that supported me. There are such great opportunities for internships, jobs, and networking.
She recommends prospective students pursue a Philanthropy Leadership degree. “I am forever thankful for the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the Thomasson family, my advisor, and so many other people at the school,” said Rota-Autry. “I recommend this to anyone that wants to make a difference in an impactful way.
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