“I know that Northeastern has a quality of learning and care, from [the university and] your professors,” says Careen Turner, CPS’18 of Savannah, Georgia, by way of Owensboro, Kentucky. “You don’t get that everywhere, and they’re going to make sure that you understand the material. It’s going to make a lot of sense, and I know that it’s going to be beneficial in the longrun.”
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies, Turner moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina to become a coordinator at World Disney World, specializing in guest relations. Eventually joining the Americorps and dipping her toes in the nonprofit industry, she transitioned to a career in higher education—yet, after the pandemic, Turner longed for the inherent human connection and feeling of giving back to the community she garnered while working at Disney. As a result, she pivoted towards a permanent role in the nonprofit sector, eventually climbing the ranks to being named the director of philanthropy for the largest farmers’ market in southern Georgia, the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
However, prior to her promotion at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Turner compounded her experiences and passion for the nonprofit sector by adding a master of science in nonprofit management from Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies to her resume. “The degree itself helped me [get] an overall understanding of how nonprofits work [and] what to expect when going into the field…I think it provided a well-rounded look at the industry.”
With a degree in hand, Turner was ready to tap into the power of the Northeastern global network and utilize their career services to the fullest potential. “I used the Northeastern career center a lot,” she says with emphasis, explaining the process of building a resume, applying for jobs, and taking advantage of networking connections. “Don’t forget about your university career center. They’re here for you, even years after you graduate.”
The future is bright and full of hope for Turner as she helps the Forsyth Farmers’ Market pivot towards a new philanthropic challenge of providing 12 services that support the local community for food access and security. “Philanthropy is multi-facted,” she says with a smile. “We’re looking to provide affordable food opportunities and access to fresh and local produce. Our market really [does that and] supports local producers and growers.”
Turner’s passion for philanthropy and elevating the community is a cornerstone of Northeastern University, and she is an embodiment of that spirit. If you would like to follow in her footsteps, select your favorite fund to donate to on Northeastern’s Giving Day, this coming Thursday, April 11, 2024, to help other Huskies continue to have a transformational Northeastern experience.
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I know that Northeastern has a quality of learning and care, from [the university and] your professors. You don’t get that everywhere, and they’re going to make sure that you understand the material.”
Careen Turner, CPS’18