Faces of Metro EDGE (FAME, for short) is a quick interview where we introduce you to fellow EDGErs and give you a glimpse of their professional life and personalities. Giuliano has been a member of Metro EDGE for two years and currently serves on the Empower committee. Reach out and say hi!
Where do you currently work, how long have you been there, and what do you do?
I’m currently the Development Manager of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera and have worked there for a little over two years. As Development Manager, I help oversee all aspects of the group’s fundraising efforts, including major donor cultivation and stewardship; direct mail, telefunding, and online broad-base appeal campaigns; special fundraising events such as Big Day of Giving, Giving Tuesday, and giving around subscription renewals; and corporate, foundation, and government applications and proposals.
Prior to that?
Before working for the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, I was doing lots of part-time work in the Bay Area: helping to improve San Francisco Opera’s back-end database and contracting procedures, coaching high school tennis at a small private high school in Palo Alto, freelance tennis and music teaching, and working to set up a small, community-minded performance program at San Jose Chamber Orchestra.
What is your educational background?
I graduated Stanford University with a B.A. in Music, Percussion Performance Concentration, and an M.A. in Music, Science, & Technology. I also was in the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP) and completed that last June.
What is the best part of your job?
I have the opportunity to meet and talk to all kinds of different individuals, corporations, foundations, banks, hospitals, law firms, etc. – Speaking with them about classical music and how we could work together is incredibly rewarding and tons of fun!
What do you love about living in Sacramento?
How open it is, how easy it is to live here, and how many cool things there are to do in the area. From the burgeoning arts scene to the Kings/River Cats/Republic FC to the awesome restaurants and bars opening to just how many ways there are to get involved civically, there is an incredible energy and momentum to the city right now. And if you want to get out for a little bit, it’s relatively easy to get to Tahoe, San Francisco, and even Santa Cruz or Monterey for a day trip!
What is one thing that might surprise people about you?
I’m from Minnesota originally (never really had an accent!) and have about 15 different instruments in my apartment!
When you aren't in the office, where can we find you?
On the tennis court, in the concert hall (either on the stage or in the audience) and taking long walks on a beach somewhere!
What advice can you offer a young professional looking for a similar job/career path as you?
One of the best things you can do is reflect on what you’re really passionate about, and feel free to think big! Once you have that down, crafting a plan and figuring out what to do and who to talk to becomes a really fun part of the overall process. Relationships are also super important – whether they end up being mentors, supervisors, knowledgeable friends, or colleagues closely aligned with your line of work, people that you can rely on and trust for help, support, or connections make everything much easier and more gratifying.
How has Metro EDGE enhanced your resume?
From giving me opportunities to serve on committees, to meeting lots of incredible people, to giving me more leadership tools and confidence to succeed professionally, EDGE has been incredibly rewarding and will be instrumental in helping me continue to develop in Sacramento!
Know an EDGEr who would be perfect to feature for F.A.M.E.? Nominate them by emailing Gina McLaughlin, Communications committee member.
