Gael Power: Kimberleigh Costanzo ’14
Director of Grants Administration and Program Officer for the Howard Gilman Foundation
Major: Philosophy
Kimberleigh Costanzo ’14 made the most of all Iona had to offer her – engaging classes, dedicated professors, proximity to New York City and the space to hone her creativity. Her experiences at Iona led to her turning dreams into reality for artists and performing arts organizations, supporting them in living sustainable lives and in creating artistic work that will shape cultures for years to come. Today, she is the director of grants administration, and a program officer, for the Howard Gilman Foundation – the largest private funder of nonprofit performing arts organizations in New York City.
Although each day is different for Kimberleigh, her job consistently provides her with the opportunity to make a difference, effect change and pursue her passions.
As the director of grants administration and a program officer for the Howard Gilman Foundation, Kimberleigh combines her love of arts and philanthropy. “I make recommendations for funding designed to help meet the applicant needs and support the Foundation's vision of a more equitable and thriving performing arts ecosystem,” she said.
Kimberleigh chose to major in philosophy after an interesting philosophy course during her first semester at Iona. She looked at studying philosophy as a way to engage with texts and concepts from history, religious studies, English, and many other programs all at once.
“At Iona, I was making connections between concepts I was exploring in my Honors thesis and artistic work that I was creating and performing on stage,” she said. “I was making frequent trips into New York City to take dance classes and engage with the experimental dance and performance community there. The work that I do today would not be possible without the skills and interests I was cultivating, but it also wouldn't be possible without the proactive attitude that I developed by charting my own path at Iona.”
WHY IONA
“Because of Iona’s small class sizes, I saw the opportunity to form close relationships my professors, engage in independent studies, and craft a curriculum around my needs and interests. My time at Iona shaped the person that I am today. It grounded me in the importance of community and helped me to articulate so many of the values that guide me.”
KIMBERLEIGH’S ADVICE
“Surround yourself with people who are intellectually curious, have similar passions and interests, and an eagerness to learn. It will make all the difference in your college experience.”
A DAY AT THE HOWARD GILMAN FOUNDATION
- Oversee various performing arts organizations
- Handle grants and make funding decisions
- Discuss programming, finances, and infrastructure
IONA HIGHLIGHTS
- Honors Program
- Office of Mission & Ministry
- Mock Trial
- Dance Ensemble Performances