Passing the Baton: Meet Corinne
Every PTA role is part of a relay — not a solo sprint. With PTA elections coming up for the 2026–27 school year, we’re inviting you to jump into the mix.
Over the next few weeks, we’re spotlighting leadership roles from the perspective of the very real humans filling them now—what the roles are actually like, how support is built in, and why they said yes in the first place.
This week: the leg of the relay that keeps our school thriving through creativity, connections, and big-hearted generosity—Fundraising!
Currently run by:
Corinne Harder (2nd and 4th grade parent)
What I love about this role:
I appreciate the opportunity to not only build relationships with the school community but also with the businesses that donate to Brown International. It is truly amazing to see how generous people are with their time and money to make our school great!
Something that might surprise you about this role:
It's fun to collaborate with PTA members, school staff, BIA families and the community to build a better school for our kids!! There are a lot of people and businesses that want to step up and support our school community and it's very fulfilling to see that in action.
What the next runner should know
We have organized our largest fundraisers in a way that allows you to hit the ground running! This role can be divided into sub committees if you want to work as a team ( Large fundraisers, Passive Fundraising/ Dine Outs, and Corporate Sponsorships). Part of our mission statement has been to build an inclusive environment and we have tried to do that with our current fundraising approach. We want people to feel part of the school community no matter how much time or money they are able to give.
Baton promise (explicit support offer)
I still have a few more years with kids at BIA and I know I will not be able to stop myself from helping out where I can! The framework for fundraisers is built out, there are files of information saved in a Google Drive, and I still love a paper trail so we can meet and go over my notes collected over the years! We need fun fresh new ideas and I am here to share what we have built but also open to helping you run with new ideas.
Favorite PTA related activity or school event
International Fest! I love seeing the school community come together to learn and share traditions, foods, and celebrate what it means to be an IB school. It's so fun to see the school staff, teachers, students and families all together to enjoy what we have all built at BIA. It is also rewarding to see events like this where everyone is welcome and no money is exchanged, thanks to the corporate sponsors funding.
Why did I say yes?
I said yes because I wanted to get involved in the school community…it started with Spirit Wear, led into Dine Outs, and now here I am as a Fundraising Chair! I cannot say enough about how many wonderful people I have met through the PTA. It is an amazing feeling to connect with people who value the school and care about building a positive community.
Lightning Round: If this role were an Olympic event, what would it be—and why?
Pole vault—turning big goals into achievable leaps with creativity, planning, and just the right amount of momentum.
Please reach out if you want to chat. There are lots of angles to the PTA’s fundraising efforts and we need more creative minds and energy to keep it going!
Curious?
I’d love to connect with you and talk more about this role and opportunities for fundraising.
📧 Let’s talk: fundraising@brownpta.org
📌 Learn more: PTA Vice President - Fundraising Job Description
📝 Express interest HERE