Millennials: the next gen, entitled, needy, self-absorbed, noncommittal, and impatient. I am sure you can think of many more negative stereotypes that seemingly characterize this generation.

I am a millennial. I come from a wealthy family. Sometimes I am more concerned with my Facebook Page than the local, 6 o’clock news. However, what you don’t know about me is more valuable.  I am not entitled.  I did not earn this wealth. I am honored to carry out my family’s legacy of philanthropic giving.  I am committed to exploring my passions and learning at every road block.  I am a philanthropist who wants to create, and more importantly, understand the impact of my giving.

Three years ago, I transitioned out of my first big girl job with a private foundation in Colorado Springs - El Pomar Foundation.  At this point in my life, I decided to look deeper into the heart and soul of a family business – the family foundation. The family foundation, at the time, practiced checkbook philanthropy.  Knowing this purpose, I wasn’t sure I would be fulfilled. I wasn’t sure I’d be taken seriously or valued internally or externally. Was working for my aunts and uncles going to be rewarding? Was this going to be my job for the rest of my life? Was I the right person for this position?

Read the full article about finding the slack by Katy Rees at the National Center for Family Philanthropy.