Personal Profile – Sandra J. Kosko

For the last twenty years of my career as an IT professional, I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people in the toy manufacturing (Hasbro/Milton Bradley), agricultural banking (Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc.) and financial services (MassMutual Financial Group) industries. Each time I was exposed to the nuances of these various industries, I looked forward to the challenge of the unknown and found that I grew not only as an IT professional but as a person as well.

In 2007, I took a giant leap into a very different industry, the world of nonprofits. I worked very hard to establish Soupy for Loopy® Foundation as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization in memory of my dear niece, Laura Sypek, who lost her battle with neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer, on June 12th, 2006 at 11 years old.

In October, 2007, I walked away from my systems consultant job at MassMutual Financial Group to focus all of my energy on growing this foundation. I witnessed firsthand the pain and suffering that Laura’s illness had on her, her family and her friends. There was nothing I could do to help Laura and that is the worst feeling of all. To this day, the wonderful memories that I have of her bring tears to my eyes.

I formally serve as president and treasurer of this all-volunteer organization but find myself wearing many different hats on any given day. While I am constantly searching for various avenues to help us spread awareness of this disease and this foundation, I am also very passionate about our mission. Laura has been my inspiration all along the way of this new journey and I know she will continue to inspire me and others to help save the lives of children with cancer. My hope is that we can continue Laura’s quest for a cure.

Education
2009 – present MASTER OF SCIENCE in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy
Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MA

1988 – 1990 MASTER of Business Administration
Western New England College, Springfield MA

1984 – 1988 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in Business Administration,
Computer Information Systems, Summa Cum Laude
Western New England College, Springfield MA

1978 – 1984 ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE in Business Administration, High Honors
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke MA

Professional Organizations
2009-2010
Women in Philanthropy of Western Massachusetts

2008-2009
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western Massachusetts Chapter.
Recipient of Sandra Eagleton Member Scholarship for a one year membership.
Served as Program Co-Chair and Board Member.

Women in Philanthropy of Western Massachusetts.
Awarded a half-year membership through a Women in Philanthropy scholarship opportunity.