Ray's backstory
Ray applies her more than 18 years of fundraising and event planning experience to help further the mission of JDRF, the leading global organization funding research to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. As the Executive Director of the JDRF Northeastern NY Chapter, she oversees a team of 5 responsible for organizing and hosting 4 major events to raise $1.6 million annually to help 10,000 constituents living with T1D in Northeastern NY. Ray has lived with T1D for 28 years and is proud to be giving back to the diabetes community through her work at JDRF.
What’s your superpower?
Passion is my superpower. Specifically, my passion for helping others and funding research to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). As someone living with T1D (diagnosed at age 12), I know firsthand the very real and serious struggles T1D can challenge you with. The key is persevering through these challenges. And that’s where my devotion to doing everything in my power to influence positive progress to eradicate this disease serves JDRF well.
I’ve been lucky in my career to work for organizations I feel deeply passionate about. As a working parent, I spend more time with my coworkers than with my family. I believe making this sacrifice is worth it because I am able to help so many people find hope, raise important money to find a cure, and make an incredible difference every day. I push myself hard (sometimes too hard) because my passion drives me to excel, overcome the hard days, and take T1D head on. JDRF is my professional home and I truly love what I do. If you are lucky enough to channel your passion into a career, you can find your superpower.
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