Raised in a household that stressed the importance of education, Natalie Jeanette Skeet dreamed of entering the field herself. She wanted to help young people achieve their goals, and academia seemed the best way to do it. Ms. Skeet worked hard to make it in the field; she went wherever she felt her skills would be most able to make a difference and gave every position her all. Her first job was in the classroom, where she worked with young children, and then she became a counselor, a drug prevention specialist, and a presenter at workshops on youth and youth leadership. Today, Ms. Skeet continues her quest to better the world. She has been a member of the advisory board of directors and an information specialist for the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. since 1982 and 1983, respectively, as well as a member of the advisory board of Financial Aid for Colleges and Technical Schools.
One of the highlights of Ms. Skeet’s career was earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Finch College Alumni Association. She felt proud to be recognized by her former school. Other notable accolades include the Merit and Service Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Jessica Cosgkave Lifetime Achievement Award, and a grant from the Clark Foundation.
Ms. Skeet prepared for her endeavors by earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Long Island University and a Master of Arts from Columbia University. She served the latter as a financial aid counselor and as the assistant director of student aid during her time there. She also studied at Finch College, became a State of New York Notary Public, and obtained a certificate in criminal justice from Long Island University.
When Ms. Skeet has free time, she enjoys volunteering with various health and community organizations. She is currently an assistant administrator for the Bronx Division of the Council of Churches.