Growing up, the power of an individual person always inspired and pushed Molly to give back as best she could with what she had. Yet during college, she began to see the sheer enormity of the challenge - particularly how difficult it is for one person to create meaningful and lasting social change. So she began to believe in the power of the collective and in the type of change that only a community of like-minded people can create. For Molly, joining New Profit was an opportunity to be a part of a special community that is thinking about how to create systemic change.

Prior to joining New Profit, Molly co-founded and led campusCATALYST, a nonprofit that engages college students in high-impact consulting projects with other nonprofits, catalyzing organizational growth and the development of future leaders. During her undergraduate years, she worked for the U.S. Department of State, Senator Barack Obama, and LIFT, one of New Profit's current investments. Molly studied Social Policy, International Studies, and Spanish at Northwestern University and graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences in Education and Social Policy with honors. Her senior thesis took her to rural Malawi, where she explored the intersection between HIV/AIDS education, microfinance, and women's empowerment.

Molly has a passion for food, which leads her on endless adventures through local eateries and ultimately back into her own kitchen for frequent experimentation. Thankfully, to counteract this hobby, Molly is also a running enthusiast, having completed two marathons and several half-marathons. Molly also loves to travel and learn new languages, and has recently embarked on an effort to learn Mandarin in preparation for a trip to China this upcoming year. When she's not eating, running, or planning her next getaway, Molly enjoys reading books, frequenting local cafes, and volunteering with the Creative Action Project.

What three things are on your bucket list?
Qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon
Horseback riding in Argentina's wine country
Earning an appointment to serve in public office

Favorite place in the entire world?
Granada, Spain, specifically the hilltop view overlooking the Alhambra. Go at sunset to hear the local Andalusian guitar players. It is beyond magical.

Favorite quote?
"The dedicated life is the life worth living. You must give with your whole heart." - Annie Dillard