Samantha Watters is a business-minded strategist, nonprofit executive, and higher education leader whose career is defined by a deep commitment to purpose-driven work and sustainable growth.

With nearly a decade of experience in business operations, organizational leadership, and program development, Sam has cultivated a diverse portfolio across the nonprofit and higher education sectors. Her work spans human resources, executive management, donor relations, and strategic planning, anchored by a sharp ability to balance mission with metrics. She is known for helping values-driven organizations not only dream boldly but operate efficiently.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship from The Pennsylvania State University. Her undergraduate years sparked a lasting curiosity about the ways in which people, systems, and ideas move institutions forward. She later earned her Master of Business Administration from Juniata College, where she focused on organizational leadership and innovation in philanthropy. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership, further expanding her capacity to guide complex institutions through growth, change, and meaningful impact.

Over the course of her career, Sam has stepped into a variety of leadership roles, ranging from managing internal operations in behavioral health settings to serving as Executive Director of a regional nonprofit supporting youth through mentorship. In that role, she matched hundreds of volunteers with children in need, managed multi-source funding streams, oversaw budget forecasting and grant writing, led cross-sector partnerships, and worked closely with board leadership to drive strategic priorities. Her tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on equity, scale, and long-term community outcomes.

Her expertise includes organizational restructuring, internal communications strategy, team development, and business process design. Colleagues and stakeholders often note her ability to bring clarity under pressure and her forward-thinking approach to solving operational challenges. Whether building out new evaluation systems, strengthening infrastructure, or leading teams through transition, Sam brings both analytical rigor and human-centered leadership to every setting.

Now working in higher education, Sam brings this same business-minded lens to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and donor-centered initiatives. She has led projects such as refining giving society structures, implementing capital campaign strategies, and launching cross-campus collaborations that tie financial investment to measurable institutional outcomes.

Sam’s passion for travel has taken her through the mountains of Alaska, the temples of India, and the cafés of Western Europe; all in pursuit ofa deeper understanding. From the vibrant street life of Central America to the snow-covered peaks above the Arctic Circle, her travels are rooted in curiosity and reflection. Along the way, she’s explored the layered histories and lived cultures of each region, recognizing the shared human threads that persist across continents.

Her experiences have included immersive visits to spiritual and religious sites from Sufi shrines in India to iconic cathedrals and mosques across Europe. These moments, which are humble, humbling, and deeply human, have broadened her view of how community, faith, and ritual shape our personal and collective lives. They continue to influence her approach to leadership with empathy, presence, and cultural awareness.

Sam is also on a personal mission to visit all Seven Wonders of the Modern World - a goal that reflects her love of both exploration and endurance. She’s already marveled at the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, stood in awe at Chichén Itzá, and walked the Great Wall of China. Each visit has offered more than just a visual spectacle, but has served as case studies in resilience, artistry, ambition, and the power of human imagination. These places remind her of the importance of preserving heritage, investing in legacy, and honoring the global stories that bind us together.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Sam is a committed writer and creative thinker. She believes deeply in the power of storytelling to bridge divides, drive change, and honor the complexities of human experience. Her personal writing often weaves together themes of humor, grief, and growth, and reflects her belief that the most effective leadership is both strategic and soul-filled.

Above all, Sam is grounded by her belief in people. Whether she’s mentoring a student, presenting to a board, or collaborating across departments, she leads with empathy, curiosity, and clarity. She views leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility to create the conditions for others to thrive.

As Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Sam continues to live that philosophy - seeking to use her gifts to uplift, connect, and build something greater than herself.