Meet Malia Gilbert Neal

Hi there! Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Malia Gilbert Neal, Events and Convenings Officer. I’ve spent the better part of the last decade in nonprofit development, building relationships, managing projects, as well as supporting and managing events, and I’m excited to leverage this background at the Rodel Foundation of Delaware in a brand new position.

A bit about me: I am a proud native of Philadelphia, a city known for its rich history, American artifacts and cheesesteak turf wars.  Growing up in the City of Brotherly Love, I spent a lot of time in classrooms with my mom, a special education teacher of 30 years in some of the city’s toughest public schools. She was also part-time social worker, so I spent a fair amount of time volunteering in Philly’s most underserved communities. When I reflect on my upbringing, I’m grateful that I was exposed to the needs of people at such an early age because I developed a heart for public service and an emphatic appreciation for education—ideals I continued to explore throughout my undergraduate and graduate experiences.

As a Steans Center Community Service Scholar at DePaul University, I was afforded the opportunity to serve a variety of educational needs all over Chicago like GED tutoring, after-school help for students of immigrant parents, and encouraging math and science literacy among elementary students through the Young People’s Project. I think in many ways, my time as a graduate student Hall Director at University of Delaware was also full of ad hoc educating, equipping students with the tools and resources needed to thrive on campus and ultimately transition successfully into immerging adulthood.

Needless to say, I’m excited about the work that the Rodel Foundation of Delaware is doing, and even more excited to be a part of it.

Oh, I do have hobby-ish things that I like to do when I’m not at work, like lifting weights, blogging, cooking, and binge-watching original Netflix programming. And, despite the impression that this list of pastimes might impart, I’m an extrovert who loves people—so feel free to say hello anytime!