Q&A with Alysia Peach | Strategic Partnerships & Communications Coordinator | 1 year at The Foundling

The Foundling offers dynamic, progressive and evidence-based services and programs to 30,000 children and families each year. What makes our programs so unique and successful are our dedicated and committed employees and staff. Get to know the people inside our organization by reading our blog each week as we highlight a new staff member.  We’ll ask them questions about their role at The Foundling, what their passions and hobbies are outside of the office, and recognize their achievements and accomplishments.

 

What are your major responsibilities?

Being a Strategic Partnerships & Communications Coordinator means I get to wear a lot of different hats, and am able to partake in an abundance of assorted tasks varying from researching/ brainstorming for upcoming events and projects, to interviewing and writing pieces for The Foundling’s Blog, and much, much more.  In any area the Communications Team needs support; I am happily there to help!  I like to make things happen, and in Communications there’s always a new project to start and to carry out—there’s never a dull moment and I truly enjoy the ever changing atmosphere.

 

How does your department help the people and communities we serve?

We help The Foundling community by voicing the importance of our programs and events to the public in creative and informative ways.  We also raise awareness and spread valuable information/protocols within our staff sphere. It is our job to make sure the Foundling’s mission is accessible and well known.

 

What has driven you to be where you are today?

I have been on my own since I was 16 years old, and I have always had a lot of fight in me to better myself and succeed. I have experienced how cruel and unfair the world can be, but I have also been extremely lucky to not be jaded by those events and still be open to life’s adventures and beauty. Every challenge you encounter and every person you meet is a new opportunity to show the world you are a strong, intelligent, and a capable force! Hard work accompanied by a good attitude will always lead you in the right direction. With that stance I have been able to advance from being an intern at the Foundling to a staff member, while also going back to school and making the Dean’s List within one year. I can’t wait to see what the future holds because I’m just starting to rev up! 

 

What inspires you most about working at The Foundling?

What inspires me most about working at The Foundling is that we as a community and institution are able to provide the instruments that enable people to direct and better their own lives. The Foundling offers services that produce hope and gives the flexibility needed to allow change to occur favorably.  When seeking help from the Foundling, one is not alone; in fact you are empowered by a whole group of people who want to help you help yourself, your family, and your community.

 

Who is your role model?

I have never had just one role model! Throughout my life, I have taken aspects of important people within it and I have taken those elements with me. For instance, I admire my Mother for her tenacity, I admire my big brother for his charisma, I admire my husband for his determination—and I don’t know her personally, but  I admire Tina Fey for being hilarious! Between all these people, I have made up some deity form that I hope to be like one day. 

 

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?

One place I have always wanted to travel to is Iceland. I would love to experience the beauty of the Aurora Borealis, take a swim in the hot springs, and look out onto its dynamic landscapes of glaciers and rolling green hills—Oh, and see some icebergs!

 

Tell us about the latest book you’re reading?

I am currently reading “Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence: From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman, MD.  To say the least, it is not a light read, but I enjoy tying my leisurely reading to what I am studying in my school/work life. I find it very beneficial.

 

What is your spirit animal and why?

I see myself as a Gorilla as I am highly sociable, loving, and playful. But I am also incredibly strong and a force to be reckoned with.

 

State a fun fact about yourself.

In my senior year of high school, I was the lead female role in my senior class’s production of the musical “Pippin”.  I had never sung out of the shower before, let alone in front of another human being, so that was quite the experience!

 

Want to learn about other Foundling staff? You can meet some of our other employees on TheMuse.com.