A Career Focused on Giving Back
After initially considering a college out of state, Ms. Galasso-Werner enrolled at St. Joseph’s University, New York in 2004 to build connections on Long Island and a career that she was planning at that time, in accounting.
As a student, she quickly became involved on campus, joining the dance team and taking on leadership roles in the SGA Senate, Habitat for Humanity and Breakin’ Silence Step Squad, and developed a deeper passion for philanthropy and giving back. By junior year, she had shifted her focus to business. A senior-year internship with SJNY’s Department of Athletics piqued her interest in marketing.
Ms. Galasso-Werner graduated in 2008 and began working at St. Joe’s in accounts payable while also pursuing a master’s degree in management and Executive MBA at the University. After graduating in 2013 with her advanced degree, she began working in the Office of Alumni Engagement and spent nine years taking her St. Joe’s experiences and developing programming for alumni and students.
While many students move on after graduation, Ms. Galasso-Werner has been with St. Joe’s ever since, which she feels has deepened her connection to SJNY. “The relationships I built, the lessons I learned and the values I developed have guided me through my professional journey,” Ms. Galasso-Werner said.
As director of development and consortium, Ms. Galasso-Werner channels a passion for philanthropy, helping to foster a culture of giving back to the University.
“One of the best parts of my role at St. Joseph’s is witnessing the growth and continued success of my alma mater,” said Ms. Galasso-Werner. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of initiatives that make a tangible impact on the university community. For example, I had the privilege of assisting in the development of the DJ Schiulaz ’10 Memorial Scholarship, which honors a dear college friend of mine. We were able to establish an endowed scholarship with a goal of $25,000, and through collective effort, we achieved that goal in a record-breaking 10 months. Seeing the University thrive and knowing that I contributed to such a meaningful initiative for future generations of students is truly fulfilling.”
Ms. Galasso-Werner plays an important role helping donors understand how their philanthropy can have the greatest impact and ensuring that each contribution is both purposeful and transformative for the University’s continued growth and success.
“I have the opportunity to travel throughout Long Island and New York City, where I have the privilege of meeting alumni and hearing their inspiring stories about St. Joseph’s,” she said. “Each conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the deep and lasting impact the institution has had on so many lives, including mine. These connections fuel my passion for supporting the University and its incredible alumni community. For me, it’s not just about the work I do; it’s about being part of a legacy that has helped shape so many individuals into the people they are today.”