USA Funds Staff Profile: Changing the World Through Philanthropic Work

A “life-changing experience” altered Alicia Roberts’ career path from one focused primarily on making money to one whose main focus is on helping others.

Roberts, USA Funds^®’ assistant manager of philanthropy, began her studies at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., unsure of the type of job she ultimately wanted to have. She knew that her major in economics would be a good base for a career in for-profit business, which was her original interest.

But after spending a month studying in Ghana, she decided she wanted to pursue a career in the nonprofit world. One aspect of Roberts’ trip that struck her was the disparity in levels of wealth that she saw.

“I thought, ‘How can I go and change the world?’” Roberts says. “I think philanthropy is a great way to start.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Manchester College — where she received a scholarship to participate in the music program as a vocalist — Roberts earned a master’s degree in philanthropic studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She began her work at USA Funds a short time later, becoming philanthropy assistant in 2004.

The following responsibilities are among those that Roberts has as assistant manager of philanthropy, a position she has held since October:

• Processing grant and sponsorship proposals.
• Administering the USA Funds Scholars program for high-school students in communities in which USA Funds has offices, and for students in the states that USA Funds serves as designated guarantor of federal student loans.
• Representing USA Funds at select functions in Indiana, where Roberts works.
• Creating and developing strategies to enhance higher-education preparedness, access and success for specific populations.
• Convening a discussion of Indianapolis-community leaders, funders and service providers regarding creating, supporting or developing programs to address higher-education-access issues.

The work of Roberts and the rest of the three-member philanthropy team benefits schools, students, parents, organizations in the community through support of such programs as early awareness initiatives and other college-preparatory endeavors.

“I like working with our grantees and scholarship recipients and carrying out USA Funds’ mission of enhancing postsecondary-education preparedness, access and success,” says Roberts.  “International travel was a life-changing experience for me, and I received that opportunity through postsecondary education. So I am a strong advocate of the pursuit of postsecondary education.”

When not working Roberts takes part in volunteer activities and enjoys singing. She is on the board of trustees of Manchester College and the board of directors for the Indianapolis Peace House, and she is on the steering committee and is a founding member of the Indianapolis Urban League of Young Professionals.

Additionally, Roberts enjoys travel, a passion also ignited by her Ghana trip.