For Allyson Boyd, ’09, work is a zoo–but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
A born and raised Akron native, Allyson Boyd, ’09, has always been embedded in her community through her work and volunteerism. She started her college career at the College of Wooster, but after her sophomore year, she transferred to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University at Stark. There, she met Lisa Waite, a professor who infused real-world experiences into her courses. Allyson took that message to heart, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication studies while working for Downtown Akron Partnership. That position sparked an interest in all things communication and non-profit organizations, something that has guided Allyson’s professional career through the years. Now, as the senior annual giving manager at the Akron Zoo, Allyson raises funds to support the important conservation work happening there and to care for the 2,000 animals who call the zoo home. Through her role, she also assists with community impact initiatives, including Backpack Adventure with Akron Public Schools, Inclusion Days with Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board and Wear Blue Day with Summit County Children Services. For her, that’s what it’s all about: seeing the community come together to connect with wildlife and each other. Get to know Allyson in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
AB: Wow - this is a hard question. I would have to say that part of the life I'm living currently is perfect happiness to me. My friends and family are always there for me, and I enjoy my job and what I get to experience. There is a lot to learn in my personal and professional life, but for me, this is what I enjoy most.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
AB: In my opinion, compassion and empathy go a long way in others. If someone can connect with you and give you the space to be yourself, that says a lot.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
AB: I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve all of the time. And while it can be a good trait, sometimes I feel as though it can invite people to judge before they know me.
KSU: Who had the greatest influence on your life?
AB: Not to sound cliché, but I would have to say my parents. They instilled a lot of wonderful qualities and traits from a young age, and I credit them for all I've become up to this point. If I didn't have them on my side, always, I am not sure I would be where I am today.
KSU: What is your favorite Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State memory?
AB: Toward the end of my Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State experience, I had a chance to get to know a fellow classmate. We would spend time together outside of class not only working on projects together but getting to know each other. For me, that meant a lot.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
AB: I would have to say the journey I am currently on is my favorite. Since starting to work at the Akron Zoo, there have been a handful of important professional and personal experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful to my family, friends, mentors and the zoo.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
AB: I enjoy some sort of sweet treat every night - haha!
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
AB: Becoming a working mother. Having to navigate becoming a mother first, which I am learning every day, while navigating having a full-time job. It is truly my greatest achievement, and one that's still growing!
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
AB: I think I would like to come back as my great-grandma. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet her - but from what I've heard about her and read about her–she seemed like a pretty wonderful woman. She owned her own catering business, and hospitality seemed to be her middle name. She also was a wonderful friend, wife, neighbor, mother, etc.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
AB: I would have to say the end of my time at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State formed me into who I am today. I finished my time commuting to the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Campus and meeting new people. It was a pivotal time in my life and one I'm forever grateful for.
