This week's Behind the Board feature is our Board member, Becca Grunin. Becca is a student majoring in Health Studies with a minor in Communication Disorders and Sciences at Monmouth University.
Thank you to Becca for taking the time to talk with us!1. What made you want to serve on the Grunin Foundation board?
I love working with my family so having this opportunity was extremely important to me. I am so grateful to be able to help make a difference on a large scale. I’m excited to be a part of the mission and learn more about how the arts, education and healthcare impact the community. I’m looking forward to offering a different perspective and providing guidance and input as a board member.
2. The Grunin Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all members of our community by using philanthropy to drive economic excellence at the Central Jersey Shore. What does economic excellence mean to you?
To me, economic excellence means equal opportunities and access for everyone to education, jobs and being able to provide for your family financially, just to name a few. Economic excellence would look like everyone having the necessary means to achieve their goals.
3. Of our grantmaking pillars (arts, education, healthcare) which are you most passionate about and why?
So many of the influential people in my life work in healthcare so that is something I’ve always been passionate about. All my career aspirations have revolved around healthcare and even though the idea of my “dream job” has changed a lot, it has always been in this field. Making even a small impact in someone’s life is very important and that is something you can do in healthcare. I’m looking forward to being a part of that through my education and career.
4. We strive to ensure that all our partners are committed to advancing equity. How do you (or how does your organization) work to advance equity in the community?
Working with the Foundation has opened my eyes to issues in the world around Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. Personally, I used to be shy and quiet when uncomfortable situations would come up, but now because of working with the Foundation and learning more, I feel more educated to speak up about issues and help others to learn as well.
5. What is your favorite part of the Central Jersey Shore and why?
I love how diverse the scenery is and this is something I’ve noticed more recently. I love the vibe of the beach towns, but I also love how you can drive through Monmouth County and see farmland. There’s a little bit of everything around here. You can pick and choose what you want to do and how you want to live.