MPA Alum Lands Job at American Cancer Society  

Ana Campoverde, a recent MPA Graduate, recently received employment at the American Cancer Society.

Ana, who also completed a B.A. in Psychology at the University, has aspired to work for the American Cancer society for a long time. Her passion to fight the disease in her own way was prompted by life experiences. “Cancer runs in my family,” Ana explained. “To see someone go through it is hard.” Campoverde stated that her original drive to the American Cancer Society in general was due to one of her aunts. “My aunt used to participate every year in the walking strides program,” Ana said and added, “until she passed away from cancer.”

When Ana saw an opening at the American Cancer society, she applied and was soon offered a phone interview. During the interview, the interviewer was given more than just answers to typical interview questions but ideas for change in the community. “I spoke about the need to increase our (the American Cancer Society) in Jersey City, Newark, and other Northern New Jersey areas," Ana explained. “The interview turned into an action plan conversation."

Ana was asked to come in immediately and soon after was offered the position as the Northern New Jersey Strides event manager. Campoverde essentially became the manager of the very program that her aunt, for many years, walked in. What helps Ana at her new position the most is her ability to deal with people, as well as the education she received as a Seton Hall student. Part of her position revolves around being able to communicate with thousands of potential donors to the large organization. Ana recently imposed a new donor rewards system, which allows sponsors who raised a certain amount of funding to the organization to be recognized at an annual banquet. This form of cultivation allows more people who volunteer and fundraise for the American Cancer Society to be recognized for the hard work that they do.

“Professor Winkler and Dr. Wish’s courses helped me realize how important constituents are, especially from a public relations standpoint," Ana explained when reflecting on the impact MPA professors had on her new career. “My time also at the Latino Institute at Seton  Hall taught me how to deal with the real world, as I helped plan a gala and interacted with numerous potential donors.”

Ana Campoverde wants people in Northern New Jersey and throughout the country to realize the important role that organizations like the American Cancer Society play. When researching the organization, Ana found that the organization has been involved in funding every major breakthrough in cancer research. With the knowledge of the success the American Cancer Society had,, Ana hopes to continue to serve people facing life threatening challenges while also honor those who give support for future research.