Riki Cleveland

What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?

I have recently taken on the role of Development Coordinator at Barrett, where my main duties revolve around donor stewardship and scholarship coordination. I find myself in a truly delightful position, tasked with expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors for their remarkable contributions to Barrett and making sure we do so in the most prompt and meaningful manner. At Barrett, we are fortunate to have the support of an incredibly compassionate and dedicated network of community partners, individuals, and families, and I am deeply privileged to be the one who acknowledges their invaluable support.

How long have you been with Barrett, and what initially drew you to work at Barrett?

I am very new to Barrett, going now into my third month in the college. I was initially drawn to working at Barrett because I am passionate about higher education and value the opportunity to support motivated students in their academic endeavors. Barrett attracts highly motivated and intellectually curious students, and I found the prospect of contributing to their educational and personal development through cultivation of philanthropy to be very fulfilling.

What do you enjoy most about your job and working for Barrett?

What I enjoy most about working in Development at Barrett is the opportunity to connect with individuals who are passionate about Barrett’s goals and mission. It's incredibly fulfilling to build relationships with our donors, learn about their motivations, and witness their enthusiasm for the impact of our work with students. Expressing our appreciation for their generosity and keeping them engaged with our mission is a rewarding aspect of the job.

I also appreciate the variety that donor stewardship in Development offers. Every donor is unique, and tailoring our communication and engagement strategies to their specific interests and preferences is both a creative and challenging endeavor. The variety keeps my work dynamic and interesting.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Outside of work I can usually be found making music around the Valley. I am a five-year member of the Arizona Wind Symphony where I play the flute, and a 15-year member of the Mesa Community College Community Orchestra where I play the flute and piccolo. Music has always been my great passion and escape. When I am making music, I am not thinking about any stresses in my life or the world, and am fully engaged in the flow of the moment.

I am also a huge sports fan and on any given night can be found cheering on my favorite Arizona teams, including my beloved ASU Sun Devils! I especially love AZ Diamondbacks Baseball and March Madness is my favorite time of the year!

Is there a specific quote or mantra that resonates with you and guides your approach to life and work?

It’s not a deep philosophy, but I’ve always said, “If you don’t have a smile, I’ll give you one of mine,” and I believe wholeheartedly in the power kindness. It costs nothing to be kind and I like to think that I’m making the world a little better each day simply by expressing gratitude and appreciation to those around me and offering a kind word and a smile to friends and strangers alike.