What Great Minds Can Do: Heather Small
Born on the island of Jamaica and raised in Orange, New Jersey, Heather was inspired to work with young girls and women at an early age. In school, and while volunteering at a summer camp for several years, she saw friends' lives changed forever by unexpected pregnancies or incarceration.
Coming from an immigrant family, it was always instilled in her that what you put into life, you get out of life. That strong belief became the drive she needed to fulfill her lifelong dream of empowering young women to see their potential.
After completing her undergraduate degree in political science from Seton Hall, Heather entered the workforce for a few years as a grant writer. It was during this time that she decided to advance her degree. Unsure of which path to take—law school or grad school—she confided in her Seton Hall faculty mentors and ultimately decided the M.P.A. program would be a perfect fit for her goals. It was.
With Seton Hall's M.P.A. program, Heather was able to work full time, build on her volunteer talents and pursue a career where she could help women and girls. Today, she has fulfilled her dream in a couple of ways: By helping non-profits apply for their 501(c)(3), write grants and bylaws, and by being a board member for many youth and poverty-focused programs.
Seton Hall Career Highlights
- Currently also the principal of Active Nonprofit Consultants, Bloomfield, NJ
- Served as Grants and Fundraising Manager for Connect NYC
- Volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties, NJ