Meet the Team

Halla leads the development and alumni relations team that is focused on creating meaningful engagement between donors and alumni of the School of Social Work. Halla is a mission-driven professional who finds great joy in making a difference in our world through her relationships with generous alumni and donors, connecting them with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others through the School of Social Work. Halla has long maintained a deep passion for mental health, children and families, and social justice issues, including diversity, equity and inclusion. Halla is a University of Michigan-Dearborn alumna, and she has been part of the U-M Development community since 2012 where she has supported various units across campus. Before joining SSW in 2021, Halla served as the director of development at the U-M Institute for Social Research, and before that, she was at Michigan Medicine, where she worked with donors to support cardiovascular programs and neurosciences, respectively.

Halla's favorite place on campus is the School of Social Work!

As Associate Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Nancy is responsible for engaging alumni and donors with the School in ways that are meaningful to them. As a mission-focused professional who believes strongly in the social work mission, Nancy enjoys connecting with alumni and friends, hearing their stories, and learning how they wish to make an impact at the School of Social Work through their volunteerism or philanthropy. Prior to her current role, Nancy managed the School's stewardship and annual giving programs as well as the SSW Alumni Board and all of its subcommittees. Nancy joined the School of Social Work in 2018, and has been with the University of Michigan since 2011. Before joining the SSW, Nancy spent eight years working in Development and Alumni Relations and before that, finance, at Michigan Medicine.

Nancy’s favorite campus locations are taking walks through the Diag and the Law Quad.

Charlotte serves as SSW’s Annual Giving and Stewardship Officer. In her role, she finds creative ways to raise funds and demonstrate impact for scholarships and other donor funds, which helps us work towards our mission of making social work education more affordable. She also aims to thank generous donors in creative ways so that donors at all levels know their generosity makes a difference. Charlotte is a mission-driven professional, and strongly believes in the mission of the School of Social Work. Charlotte is a University of Michigan alumna (BA ‘20) and University of California, Santa Barbara alumna (MA ‘22).

Charlotte’s favorite spot on campus is the peony garden in the spring - it is a must-see spot for all flower lovers!

As the Development Events and Alumni Relations Officer, Madison works closely with faculty, staff, and alumni to plan and execute events that educate, inspire, and engage those with an affinity to the School of Social Work. She also works closely with the School's Alumni Board and all of its subcommittees. Madison is deeply passionate about engaging alumni with their alma mater and enjoys seeing the impact alumni engagement has on the School they care deeply about. Prior to her current role, Madison worked at Wayne State University where she managed alumni-student engagement activities and developed innovative programs to increase alumni engagement. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Integrative Public Relations ('20) and a Master of Business Administration ('23).

Madison enjoys walking around central campus when the weather is nice and taking in the beauty around campus!

Abigail is the team’s Development Assistant. In addition to supporting the executive director, she is responsible for supporting all functions of the SSW Development and Alumni Relations Team. Abigail is passionate about serving others and brings a positive attitude and energy to the Development and Alumni Relations team! If you’re not sure who to ask for help, Abigail is a good start! Abigail joined the SSW Development and Alumni Relations team in 2024, and before that, she spent three years working in ticket sales for the San Jose Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings. Abigail graduated from Central Michigan University with a BA in Sport Management in (‘21). During her four years at CMU, she was a member of the CMU softball team.

Abigail’s favorite place on campus is the softball field so she can feel the glory days and support the team!

Ben graduated from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with a Master of Management and is now completing his second year in the Master of Social Work program, where he is a member of the Jewish Communal Leadership Program. Before coming to Michigan, Ben graduated from George Washington University with a BA in Political Science. Ben hopes to ultimately become a nonprofit executive, by combining his business acumen in finance, accounting, marketing, and corporate strategy with his social work education in assessing communities and evaluating programs. In his role with the Development and Alumni Relations team, Ben will be prospecting, cultivating relationships with, and stewarding relationships with current and potential donors. Ben cherishes this opportunity because he wants the next generation of social workers to have just as fantastic of an experience during their MSW studies at U-M as Ben has had.

Ben's favorite spot on campus is the Big House, where he loves cheering on the Maize and Blue every Saturday!

Nikki is in her senior year as an undergraduate student at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability majoring in environmental science with a minor in gender and health. She joined the team in the Spring of 2023 and had no previous experience with the School of Social Work (other than enjoying some of its study spaces.) She loves working with such a passionate and kind group of individuals and is excited to be helping to support the School’s mission and all of its students!

Outside of her role at the SSW, Nikki is a member of the co-ed professional sustainability fraternity, Theta Alpha Psi, and a guest writer for What The F, a feminist magazine on campus.

Nikki's favorite spot on campus is the fourth floor of the Dana building. It has a beautiful glass ceiling that lets in plenty of light and provides the perfect space to read, work, or hang out with other students.