Alumna Brittany Upchurch on a career in health philanthropy and giving back

For two-time Auburn University alumna Brittany Upchurch (management ’18, MBA ’22), giving back is a family affair and motivation for her career. The Jacksonville, Florida-native was first introduced to Nemours Children’s Health when her three young cousins lived with and eventually succumbed to a rare blood disease.

When her youngest cousin passed away at age 14, Upchurch’s aunt started a foundation in his memory, giving a portion of it to Nemours Children’s. This would be Upchurch’s introduction to giving back — and what would become her future career.

A budding career in philanthropy

After graduating from Auburn’s Harbert College of Business as an undergraduate in 2018, Upchurch interned with Nemours Children’s in fundraising development, learning the business of philanthropic development for a cause close to her family’s heart. She turned that internship into a full-time position, completed her online MBA with Harbert College and now serves as their associate director for the Grateful Patient and Family Philanthropy Program.

“I really got into health care philanthropy because of my personal connection to Nemours Children’s,” Upchurch said. “I’ve learned so much about the business of philanthropy through capital campaigns, planned giving, events and more. It’s really about planting the seeds for trees you may never see.”

For the past six years, Upchurch has planted seeds and seen the reward. She’s helped steward capital campaigns and other efforts resulting in more than $2 million for programs including the Assisted Dog and Pony Therapy (ADAPT) program. And she was recently recognized as a 2024 Association for Healthcare Philanthropy 40-Under-40 winner for her work during the past year.

“The things I’ve learned and worked on the last six years have gotten me to where I am, but this past year I really put my head down,” she said. “I helped launch a caregiver recognition program. And I chipped in with the special events team and managed 120 volunteers for our inaugural KidsHealth Walk-Run that we hosted at the Jacksonville Jaguars Stadium. In addition, I chaired our National Philanthropy Day event last year. I was really proud to be a part of that. It’s been so rewarding for me to give back.”

Young Alumni Council

Upchurch is also now giving back to Auburn as one of the newly named members of the Harbert College of Business Young Alumni Council. With her experience in health care philanthropy, she will bring an expert perspective on the importance of giving back.

“We just started, and I'm really excited to get involved,” she said. “I know the hustle and perseverance it takes for pediatric health care philanthropy, and I hope to be able to help get more alumni engaged.”

She’s just at the start of her three-year term on the board, but already looking forward to volunteering her time and hopefully mentoring students. 

“A lot of the work we do in philanthropy is laying the groundwork for benefits we sometimes won’t see until 10 or 20 years down the road,” she said. “I really hope to cultivate relationships and help Harbert build that pipeline of support — whether it’s other alumni donating their time or financial support.”

Upchurch leans on the tenet that drove her to start her career: gratitude.

“My interest in getting involved with the young alumni board really stems from my gratitude, respect and passion for Auburn,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities Auburn has given me. The business planning and organizational skills I learned at Harbert prepared me for where I am now. I would tell any students or new graduates to say yes to those opportunities knocking on your door and show gratitude to those who help you get them.”

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