Bernadette Hodkiewicz

Why this persona fits the audience

Manages website volunteer, donation-interest, and event-registration forms for a regional nonprofit in Philadelphia. Submissions arrive by email and are copied into Airtable and spreadsheets by staff; there is no in-house developer assigned to the site.

• Age: 45
• Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
• Occupation: Communications coordinator
• Income: USD 49k/year
• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Years in role: 7

“Every submission is a chance to connect someone with a cause they care about, and it's my job to make that connection as smooth as possible.”

Bernadette Hodkiewicz, 45, has dedicated the last seven years of her career to serving as the Communications Coordinator for a respected regional environmental nonprofit based in Philadelphia. Her journey into this role was driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of community action and a desire to contribute meaningfully to causes she believes in. Holding a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, she honed her writing and organizational skills, which proved invaluable when she transitioned into nonprofit work. She lives a relatively frugal but comfortable life in a well-maintained rowhouse, prioritizing experiences and community engagement over material possessions. Her income of $49,000 annually necessitates careful budgeting, but she finds fulfillment in her work that transcends financial reward. Bernadette is highly conscientious and values accountability, seeing her role as a crucial link between the organization and its supporters. She is particularly focused on the efficiency of her workflow, constantly seeking ways to optimize the management of website form submissions – volunteer interest, donation inquiries, and event registrations. These submissions, arriving via email, are manually copied into Airtable and spreadsheets by Bernadette and her small team, a process that, while functional, is time-consuming and prone to error. The absence of an in-house developer means she must be resourceful, often relying on online tutorials and the goodwill of colleagues for any minor website adjustments. Recently, she's been exploring potential solutions to automate this data entry process, driven by a recent surge in event participation inquiries that has stretched her capacity thin. She made a conscious decision last quarter to dedicate a portion of her professional development budget to researching tools that could integrate directly with their website forms, a move supported by her director who recognizes the need for greater efficiency in donor and volunteer management.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Bernadette's typical weekday begins with a 6:30 AM wake-up call, followed by a brisk walk through her South Philly neighborhood. After a simple breakfast and a strong cup of coffee, she's at her desk by 8:30 AM. The first hour is dedicated to checking emails and triaging urgent requests. From 9:30 AM to noon, she focuses on processing website form submissions – volunteer applications, donation inquiries, event registrations – meticulously copying data into Airtable and a shared spreadsheet. Lunch is usually a quick sandwich at her desk while catching up on industry news. The afternoon involves drafting newsletter content, updating the website's events calendar, and responding to general inquiries. She often spends the last hour of her workday planning for the next day, ensuring all tasks are logged and prioritized. She aims to log off by 5:30 PM, leaving time for a quiet evening.

Lifestyle

Bernadette lives alone in a comfortable, well-organized rowhouse in South Philadelphia, filled with books and plants. She maintains a consistent routine, prioritizing her health with early morning walks and a balanced diet. Her income is modest, so she's careful with her spending, preferring practical purchases and saving for occasional travel or home improvements. Socially, she enjoys quiet evenings with a close-knit group of friends, often gathering for potlucks or attending local cultural events. She finds deep satisfaction in her work and her connection to the Philadelphia community.

Work life

As the Communications Coordinator for a regional environmental nonprofit, Bernadette is the primary point person for all incoming inquiries via the website. Her days are a constant juggle of managing volunteer sign-ups, processing donation interest forms, and coordinating event registrations. She meticulously copies these submissions from email into Airtable and various spreadsheets, a process that consumes a significant portion of her time. The lack of an in-house developer means she's also responsible for basic website content updates and troubleshooting minor form issues, often relying on online tutorials and the patience of her colleagues. The pressure is on to ensure every lead is captured and followed up on promptly, reflecting the organization's commitment to service and accountability.

Relationships

Bernadette is close with her sister, who lives in New Jersey, and they speak on the phone weekly. Her core group of friends are mostly people she met through volunteer work or university, and they share a similar commitment to community service. She values their opinions and often discusses work challenges with them. Her direct supervisor, the Development Director, is supportive but also keenly focused on measurable outcomes.

How they decide

Bernadette is a cautious and methodical decision-maker. She prefers to gather information, weigh the pros and cons carefully, and often seeks input from trusted colleagues or friends before committing to a course of action. She is not easily swayed by trends and prioritizes practicality and long-term reliability over flashy features.

How they sound

Bernadette speaks with a clear, measured cadence, often using precise language. She avoids jargon where possible, preferring straightforward explanations. Her tone is generally warm and earnest, reflecting her genuine care for her work and the people she serves. She might occasionally use mild Philadelphia colloquialisms but generally maintains a professional demeanor. She's unlikely to use overly casual slang or express strong, unresearched opinions.