Tufts Hillel: What led you to this work?

Diana Faust: I was a Theatre Arts major at Mount Holyoke College and enjoyed working behind the scenes on productions. When I realized that working in theaters would mean working evenings, that led me to consider working in Special Events for nonprofit arts organizations. I secured a Special Events internship in New York City, where I realized that what I enjoyed most about event planning was the fundraising piece.

TH: While you are new to Tufts Hillel, you are not new to Tufts. How long have you been a fundraiser at Tufts?

DF: I started at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston in the summer of 2016, and in the spring of 2020, I moved to Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton. The Medford/Somerville campus is my third campus!

TH: What are your favorite parts of this work?

DF: Seeing the impact that gifts have is incredibly rewarding, especially when the gifts start as exploratory conversations. When a giving opportunity helps a donor meet a philanthropic goal, it’s so meaningful.

TH: What is one thing no one knows about you?

DF: A few people know this about me, but I drive a manual transmission.

TH: What are three things you can’t live without?

DF: In addition to food, clothing, and shelter, I would have to say my two cats, my laptop, and chocolate. So I suppose I need seven things in order to survive!

TH: How are you involved with the Jewish community?

DF: I am involved in programs at both Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Anti-Defamation League. In addition, I attend events and programming at other Jewish organizations in the Greater Boston Area.

TH: What is inspiring you in life right now?

DF: Seeing the arts in person! Now that I have moved to Medford, I am definitely going to be making use of the new E line T stop to access exhibits and shows in the area.

TH: What is your go-to for having a good laugh?

DF: All I have to do is read the family group chat.

TH: What are you most excited about at this time in your life?

DF: I am most excited about my upcoming trips, most notably my spring trip to Israel with Spark at Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

TH: What is your secret talent?

DF: I adopted two kittens during the pandemic, and I taught them to understand about 20 English words. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

TH: What is your fondest Holiday memory and why?

DF: My favorite holidays are Rosh Hashanah and Pesach. It’s hard for me to pick a particular year. It’s definitely spending time with family and eating my mother’s matzo ball soup and apple kugel.

TH: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

DF: I actually make my own ice cream with frozen bananas, peanut butter powder, and cocoa powder in a food processor.

TH: Thoughts on adventure and travel?

DF: I enjoy traveling. I recently went to Spain, where I visited Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona.

TH: Any advice for fellow travelers?

DF: Yes! Get a guide who not only knows the area, but who can also tailor the experience for you.

TH: Cats or dogs? and why?

DF: Both, but I feel like I have to say cats; I have two cats, and they would be highly offended if I said otherwise.

TH: What is your most prized possession?

DF: My memories of vacations with my grandparents.

TH: What are you most thankful for?

DF: The pandemic has made me feel grateful for the basics, like the ability to see my family and friends.

TH: What are you most looking forward to as you join us at Tufts Hillel?

DF: I am most looking forward to being a part of the programming and have already attended my first Shabbat dinner.

Meet Diana Faust: Director of Development

We are thrilled to welcome our new Director of Development, Diana Faust, to the Tufts Hillel team!

We sat down to ask Diana 18 questions so you could get to know her better…