As vice president for advancement, Watson provides strategic direction and leadership for the College’s philanthropic initiatives in the areas that are essential to resourcing Pomona College’s future—including development, complex assets and principal gifts, estate planning Pomona Plan, alumni and family engagement, advancement communication, and advancement services; and campus-wide events for community of Sagehens around the world and visitors to the campus.

With more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Watson has successfully built exceptional fundraising teams in a variety of industries.

Watson’s career has taken her from cultural institutions such as Lincoln Center and the New World Symphony to Fordham University and, most recently, the University of Southern California.

During her time at USC, she conceptualized and launched that institution’s first New York City/Northeast advancement office, led major gift and regional teams and played a key role in the success of USC’s $7 billion campaign.

She earned her M.B.A. from University of Southern California and her B.M.A. in clarinet performance from University of Michigan with a minor in political science.

Sarah Dalrymple is the Deputy Director of Major Gifts at Yale University, serving as an experienced and trusted philanthropic advisor since 2016. She began her frontline work with Yale College alumni on the West Coast and transitioned to New York City in 2021, collaborating with some of Yale’s most sophisticated donors to secure complex gifts supporting the university’s top priorities.

During the For Humanity capital campaign, Sarah has also partnered with her prospects and colleagues to coordinate and execute New York-based events and volunteer groups to drive alumni engagement and surpass fundraising goals. She has also contributed to broader campaign efforts, serving on the Steering Committee for the campaign’s third goal, “Strengthening Yale’s Foundation for the Future” and co-chairing a subcommittee focused on building out strategies for greater regional engagement.

Leveraging her deep understanding of university processes, funding needs, and donor intent, Sarah excels in aligning alumni with impactful volunteer and giving opportunities, thus strengthening their relationship with Yale. She is a valued mentor within Alumni Affairs & Development, sharing her expertise with colleagues aspiring to advance their careers in frontline work.

Mridul Gupta has been a pivotal part of Almabase for nearly two years, where she plays a vital role in helping educational institutions optimize and manage their donor relationships. With a strong belief in delivering tangible results, Mridul enjoys sales because it’s driven by measurable outcomes. Her passion for innovation and the ability to see the direct impact of her work keeps her motivated every day. What drew Mridul to Almabase was its employee-centric culture. The sense of community and mutual support aligns perfectly with her values, making Almabase a place where she feels truly supported. Outside of work, Mridul is an amateur but avid cook and a fan of binge-watching baking reality shows.