Meet Michelle Puchta, Assistant Director of Individual Giving

As the Assistant Director of Individual Giving, Michelle is dedicated to creating meaningful pathways for supporters and partners to engage with and contribute to Greenwich House’s vital health, human services, education, and arts programs. In this Q&A, Michelle discusses what they admire most about Greenwich House, their surprising background in avant-garde performance activism, and the concerts they attend when they are not spending time with their best buddy, Hermes.

Q. When did you join the Greenwich House community?

A. I joined the Greenwich House community at the end of April. 

Q. Describe your job in your own words.

A. As part of the Development team, I create opportunities for supporters and potential supporters of Greenwich House to engage with our organization in a way that is meaningful to them. I also educate this audience about the various ways they can make an impact through different types of giving.

Q. What’s something you’re looking forward to, personally or professionally, in the next year?
 
A. I’m looking forward to visiting some far-flung friends and family, and hopefully traveling to Guatemala for a personal vacation.

Q. What’s something you enjoy doing outside of work?  

A. When I’m not spending time with my dog and best buddy, Hermes—the most adorable Pomeranian ever—I love going to concerts and variety shows. I’m especially excited to see Echo and the Bunnymen soon!

Q. What’s something your coworkers would be surprised to learn about you?

A.  In a previous life, I was involved in avant-garde performance activism focused on reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ issues. On second thought, this may not be so surprising, considering I pulled stunts like this while at PETA. 

Q. Greenwich House’s mission is to respond to the urgent, ongoing, and diverse needs of our community by offering health, human services, education, and arts programs that foster wellness, creativity, and connection. What part of our mission resonates most with you?

A. As a Greenwich House employee, I admire all of the programs and services our organization provides. Personally, I find our partnership with the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), particularly through the Queens and Manhattan Family Justice Centers and our trauma-informed care for youth, to be especially meaningful.