For MPA graduate Danielle Pierleoni ’15, Brockport was the starting point for a career dedicated to service and meaningful community impact. Through her graduate experience, she discovered her passion for nonprofit development and gained the foundation needed to become a leader in the field.
Today, Pierleoni serves as the Legacy and Leadership Giving Manager at Heritage Christian Services, where she builds relationships and supports philanthropic efforts that advance the organization’s mission.
“My graduate assistant role opened my eyes to the world of nonprofit fundraising, and the rest has been history.”
Danielle Pierleoni
Pierleoni’s path into nonprofit work began through her graduate assistantship with the Department of Public Administration.
“My graduate assistant role opened my eyes to the world of nonprofit fundraising, and the rest has been history,” said Pierleoni. “It allowed me the space to build meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and staff, learn about fundraising and land my first fundraising/development nonprofit position.”
Since graduating, Pierleoni has worked with several nonprofit organizations, building kowledge in fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement.
In 2025, Pierleoni’s dedication to nonprofit leadership was recognized when she was named a Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree — an award that celebrates young professionals who demonstrate career achievement and meaningful contributions to the Rochester community.
“This was a significant accomplishment for me as I know it is a highly competitive award for young professionals across all different disciplines and sectors,” Pierleoni said. “This recognition allowed me to feel confident in how far I’ve come in my industry and that I am seen as a leader in the nonprofit development space.”
For students considering public administration or nonprofit leadership, Pierleoni encourages them to understand how diverse the job market can be and to embrace the connections available through the alumni community.
“The MPA degree is very versatile and applicable across many different sectors and careers.”
Danielle Pierleoni
“The MPA degree is very versatile and applicable across many different sectors and careers,” said Pierleoni. “The MPA alumni base is a strong one and there are so many people to talk to and learn from about different career pathways.”
Through her experiences at Brockport and beyond, Pierleoni has built a career centered on connection, service, and creating meaningful change.
“I love what I do and get to call ‘my job,’” said Pierleoni.