Yale alumni leaders and volunteers representing different shared interest groups, or SIGs, greeted and interacted with about 120 alumni newcomers, primarily recent graduates, to New York City at the annual Welcome to NYC event hosted by the Yale Alumni Association of New York and held at the Yale Club of New York City.
Represented groups consisted of the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance, Yale Alumni Educators, Yale Blue Green (Yale’s environmental alumni group), Yale Alumni Real Estate Association, YaleWomen, 1stGenYale, Yale GALA (Yale’s LGBTQ alumni group), Yale Latino Alumni Network, Yale Jewish Alumni Association, and Association of Asian American Yale Alumni.
Ken Inadomi ’76, founding chair of the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance (YANA) and former executive director of a nonprofit that mobilizes volunteer advisors to help underserved, under-resourced entrepreneurs in greater New York City, said he was inspired by engaging with participants at the event.
“These Yalies are truly impressive—not only do they want to make a positive difference, but they also have the head and the heart to actually do it,” he said, noting the robust and supportive network waiting for them. “There is a huge, vibrant Yale alumni community, especially here in New York, that’s committed to doing good and awaiting their participation.”
With so many alumni active in the nonprofit sector, either as volunteers, board members, or professional staff, Inadomi enthusiastically encouraged those interested in this space to join YANA.
“We have a remarkable community of alumni across the generations dedicated to working together, giving back, and changing lives,” he said. “YANA provides the opportunity to scale our collective impact by bringing together people with boundless ideas, energy, and kindness.”
Uma Bhandaram ’15 MESc, New York chapter co-chair of Yale Blue Green (YBG), and chief of data and operational strategy at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, shared similar sentiments.
“Being part of a shared interest group is a great way to build a community in New York City,” she said. “I hope attendees left knowing that the groups are an active, ongoing resource and not just a one-time welcome event.”
Bhandaram shared her perspective on serving as a YBG leader and alumni volunteer.
“Being part of Yale Blue Green allows me to meet many different people and hear about the cool stuff they’re doing and their careers, and stay engaged and connected to Yale,” she said. “It’s also a great way to know the City better through planning events and programming and a fun excuse to discover new spots and figure out what makes for a great alumni gathering.”
Nancy Stratford ’77, cofounder of YaleWomen and former chair of the Yale Alumni Association Board of Governors, noted the importance of YaleWomen as a hub and connector within the alumni community.
“We learned that Yale women want to share knowledge and experiences with other Yale women and to connect over mutual interests in careers, social engagement, lifelong learning, staying connected to Yale and providing service in their communities,” she said. “I am always excited to meet new members of YaleWomen and to let them know how and why we started.”
Stratford also highlighted the value to alumni, particularly recent graduates, in joining and getting involved with groups that resonate with their interests.
“Alumni can forge friendships and bonds that enrich their lives,” she said. “There is one Yale, and graduates from Yale College and the graduate and professional schools would benefit from getting to know others who are different ages and who have various experiences.”
Photos courtesy of Henry Kwan.
