40 Under 40: Christine Friis ’12

I learned how to be a fundraiser—a skill that would eventually turn into my career. Starting with New Student Orientation, I felt a drive to get involved and give back to the community. That’s when I was matched with the Community and Civic Engagement Center. By the time I graduated in 2012, I had learned how to fundraise, run events, and work in a nonprofit setting—a foundation that became critical immediately upon graduation.

It’s been rewarding to help make a difference in the lives of military families. Working with corporations to finally take their activation to market and getting that prospect to finally say “yes” all leads to that emotional moment where a family gets the support they need. Tears are always involved—from the Operation Homefront team, the family, and the corporation. That’s the accomplishment—the impact.