Holly Greatrex
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2021)
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2021, Holly pursued a career in advancement and now serves as Director of Personal and Planned Giving at Carleton University.
“Do what makes you happy. Your career should bring you a sense of purpose and joy- you don’t want to wake up each day not loving what you do. Life is too short. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a position that I find truly meaningful, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do this work.”
Brief description of what I do!
I am a proud Carleton alumna and the Director of Personal and Planned Giving at Carleton University. I specialize in working with donors to establish legacy gifts through their wills, helping them create meaningful and lasting impact. In my role, I lead the development and execution of Carleton’s proactive planned giving strategy, including marketing initiatives and fundraising plans. I work closely with donors to develop personalized gift plans that align with their philanthropic goals while maximizing tax and financial benefits.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
I was already working in my position when I completed my degree; however, it played a pivotal role in shaping my professional identity. It gave me the confidence to trust my instincts, deepen my expertise, and pursue opportunities where I could make a greater impact. As a mature student graduating in my 40s, my journey to higher education was not a traditional one. I wasn’t able to afford university when I first left high school, which is why my work today is especially meaningful. I have the privilege of helping donors establish scholarships and bursaries that make higher education more accessible, creating opportunities for future generations of students to succeed.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
Studying psychology shaped the way I understand and connect with people. It taught me how to listen with intention, approach conversations with empathy, and appreciate the values and experiences that influence people’s decisions.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
One of the most valuable aspects of my education has been the interpersonal skills I developed. I work closely with donors who are planning legacy gifts as part of their estate planning. This can be a deeply personal and sometimes sensitive time in their lives, and my background has equipped me with the ability to listen with empathy, build trust, and support individuals through these meaningful decisions. My degree also strengthened my confidence- both in my ability to connect with people and to navigate complex, emotional conversations. These skills have been essential to my success and allow me to help donors create impactful gifts that reflect their values and intentions.