Scholarship Spotlight: Hailey Aldrich
Development Associate, National Homelessness Law Center
Personal bio:
Hailey Aldrich is proud to work with the National Homelessness Law Center with the vision to cultivate a society where every person can live with dignity and enjoy their basic human rights, including the right to affordable, quality, and safe housing. Hailey has always looked to use the power of narratives and communications to amplify the voices and advance the needs of our most vulnerable populations. After graduating Summa cum laude from Ithaca College with a degree in Communications, Management, and Design in 2022, Hailey began a year of service with the National Homelessness Law Center through the AmeriCorps VISTA program and has since transitioned into a full-time position as their Development Associate.
What year did you win your NYWICI Scholarship?
I won the NYWICI Hearst Media Scholarship in 2020.
What did receiving a NYWICI scholarship mean to you?
My NYWICI interview was the first zoom call I ever logged onto. I interviewed for my NYWICI scholarship at the beginning of the pandemic when so many things were uncertain personally, professionally, and globally. When I received the news that I had received one of the NYWICI scholarships, it instilled a sense of confidence and community and showed me the importance on leaning on this a supportive network of women to help navigate the challenges to come.
How has receiving the NYWICI scholarship helped with your career?
While my path has been different from many other NYWICI scholars, my NYWICI connections have allowed me to keep a pulse on the direction of the larger communications industry and leverage my connections to influence my organization’s communications strategy.
How do you plan to give back to the NYWICI community or pay it forward?
I have continued to engage with NYWICI by volunteering on the Communications Committee, attending alumni events, and volunteering at the annual Matrix Awards as we celebrate other incredible leaders and future leaders across the communications industry.
Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for future scholarship applicants?
Don’t try to fit yourself into a box or a set of criteria. Let the topics and work you’re passionate about lead and your skills and abilities will shine through.