Stefanie Mojonnier: Advancement Manager

Hometown: Most recently—Greenwood, Indiana

With HIOBS from 2008 to 2009 at Wheeler Bay and since 2012 as a part of the administrative team

How did you decide to work for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School?

I completed a 14-day sailing course right after I graduated high school, back in 1999. Even though I grew up camping and hiking, I’d never sailed before coming to Outward Bound. I had no idea what to expect. I even “studied” before coming by reading about how to sail! I absolutely loved it—the frigid salt water, the warm sun, the wind, the rugged beauty of the coast, learning to navigate. I did not want to go home.

My course left a lasting impression on me and influenced nearly every major decision I’ve made since, including what I studied in college and in steering me towards AmeriCorps*NCCC after college. It took me 10 summers to circle back around to Outward Bound, though. I worked mostly logistics at Wheeler Bay for a couple of summers before heading back to Indiana for grad school. I studied nonprofit management at Indiana University, graduating in 2011.

I left Maine in 2009 knowing I wanted to be back someday, but had no idea how fortuitous it would be that only three years later my favorite organization would be in need of someone with my exact skills and education. I enjoy the support role and am passionate about the nonprofit sector and the unique challenges organizations like ours face. I feel privileged to be learning the ropes of nonprofit management at HIOBS.

What do you like best about working for HIOBS?
One of the best things about working in development is the opportunity to talk about how Outward Bound changed someone’s life, and how they want to help make that happen for others.

What is your favorite or funniest HIOBS memory?
Almost exactly five years ago, I was beyond excited to leave Key Largo, Florida as part of the first Outward Bound Odyssey expeditions in decades. Two of our HI-30 boats, Ritt and Rip Hudner, were sailed from Florida to Maine that spring.

We had the same crew from Key Largo to Annapolis, Maryland, where several of us had to disembark in order to get back to Maine in time to open the base and get ready for staff training. We sailed several 24-hour stretches during that expedition. It was equal parts exhausting and exhilarating, and I hope we have a chance to do another one soon!

Choose one word to sum up HIOBS.
Tenacious.

When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
With planning underway for the 50th anniversary celebration on top of managing our fundraising efforts and scholarship program, I’ll be happy to get a run or bike ride in on semi-regular basis. I also hope to incorporate sailing and rock climbing into “work” as much as I can this year!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I spent two summers as a Type II wildland firefighter with AmeriCorps. I pretend to be a snowboarder in the winter. And I like drawing pulling boats.