SPEA Excellence
Ryan Brady
Alumnus, Master of Public Affairs
After graduating with a business degree from the University of Illinois, Ryan Brady was primed and ready for a career in business consulting with Crowe Chizek, one of the nation's top firms. Taking a year off to serve as a member of AmeriCorps changed all that, and within hours of returning to the firm, Brady knew his life — and career — was meant for something more.
"Until AmeriCorps, I didn't even really know what the non-profit sector was," admits Brady, a native of Batavia, Illinois, who started working for the YMCA's Urban Mission Branch in Indianapolis shortly after leaving Crowe Chizek. "In time, however, I've learned that I can combine all of the skills I like about business with the stuff that pulls at your heartstrings."
Brady, a 2005 graduate of SPEA's Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program, admits he stumbled into the graduate-level coursework by first taking a SPEA certificate class in non-profit organizations.
"I'm very thankful I found out about SPEA," he says. "Discovering what a great resource it is and enrolling in the graduate program was the best decision I've ever made."
One of the highlights of the MPA program, according to Brady, was the capstone project he completed during his final year. Working as part of a team, Brady's task was to analyze the need for an immigrant welcome center in Indianapolis. The city took the recommendations of Brady's team seriously, which helped solidify his connection to his new hometown.
"I felt totally empowered by the project," Brady says. "If there is one thing my SPEA courses taught me is that I can make a difference in this city — every city."
Today, Brady is a senior donor services advisor with the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). He works with donors to identify and facilitate their charitable goals.
"I enjoy working with people who've made it a part of their lives to be charitable," Brady says. "It makes my job a real pleasure."
In addition to his work with CICF, Brady is one of the founding members of the non-profit organization, Giving Sum. Targeted to adults age 25-45, Giving Sum is organized on the premise that more can be done when people cooperate and work together to address problems.
"Collectively, this age group has amazing gifts — time, talents, resources — you name it," Brady observes. "I'm really excited about creating momentum to get the next generation involved in change and philanthropy at a young age."