Please join us in welcoming our newest NASFAA staff member, Natalie Wong, our community engagement manager.

Most recently, Natalie was the senior assistant director of financial aid at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She's also been heavily involved in RIASFAA and EASFAA, and served as the conference co-chair for EASFAA.

Natalie is a first-generation college graduate and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island before earning her master’s degree in strategic planning and innovation from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her fiancé, Kyle, who is also from Rhode Island, and their dog, Archie.

We have some exciting things planned as Natalie takes the helm of our Community initiative. Learn more about Natalie in the Q&A below, and if you’re attending the NASFAA 2026 National Conference, be sure to say hello!

How did you get your start in financial aid? 

I actually started my career in financial aid as a receptionist. During undergrad, I was heavily involved in Greek life and was convinced I was headed for a career in student affairs. I also had a lofty dream of one day becoming a college president, which, for the record, is no longer on my vision board!

At the time, I figured that if I wanted to truly understand higher education, I should learn more about how financial aid creates access and the work that happens behind the scenes to help students achieve their educational goals. Financial aid seemed like the perfect place to start because it sits at the intersection of access, affordability, and student success, and I knew the work would be meaningful.

I never imagined when I accepted that receptionist position that it would shape the rest of my career. What began as a learning opportunity quickly became a true passion. I found so much meaning in helping students access higher education, and that sense of purpose is what has kept me in the profession ever since.

When did you first learn about NASFAA?

I learned about NASFAA seven years ago when I started working in financial aid because my institution was a member. My mentor in financial aid, Anne McDermott, was heavily involved in NASFAA, so she was always a strong advocate for the association’s work.

After eight months as a receptionist, I became a counselor in the financial aid office, and I used all the NASFAA tools to teach myself financial aid. Since you can’t go to school for financial aid, I feel like NASFAA is the university for how to become a financial aid professional. Throughout my career, I've completed countless NASFAA trainings and credentials, which have been instrumental in helping me grow both professionally and personally. I was also offered opportunities to go to the NASFAA national conference, which was amazing, and I am a Certified Financial Aid Administrator^®.

NASFAA has always been part of my financial aid journey. My favorite part about financial aid is the community. I don't think I would have stayed in this career this long if it weren't for the amazing people who are a part of it. I found such a sense of belonging and purpose within that community. When I saw this role, I thought about how meaningful it would be to help others experience what NASFAA has meant to me. NASFAA is so much more than an association, it's a place where professionals can find support, build connections, access valuable resources, and develop the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in the profession.

What does belonging and community mean to you in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, belonging and community mean connecting people and creating opportunities for engagement that help professionals build a network of support. At its core, it's about having a community you can lean on, whether you're celebrating a success, navigating a challenge, or simply looking for advice from someone who understands what you're experiencing.

I have a quote on my desk that says, "Be the rainbow in someone's cloud." I've always loved that sentiment because I think professional communities help us find those rainbows. This profession can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times. Financial aid is such a unique and specialized field, and having people who understand the work, support you through the tough days, and celebrate the wins alongside you is invaluable.

To me, belonging is knowing you're not navigating the journey alone. It's having a community that helps you grow, supports you when you need it most, and reminds you why the work we do matters.

What do you find to be the most rewarding or fulfilling aspect of your work in the financial aid field, and what is it that you're most looking forward to in your work in community engagement?

What I find most rewarding about financial aid is that, at its heart, it's about creating access and opportunity. Every day, we have the chance to help students pursue an education that can truly change the trajectory of their lives. Financial aid is one of the few professions where you can directly see how your work contributes to social mobility and helps open doors that may have otherwise remained closed. I don't think you can say that about many professions. 

As I step into the Community Engagement Manager role, I'm excited to strengthen the community that makes this work possible. In my opinion, community is one of the pillars of success in the financial aid profession. None of us can do this work alone, and some of the best ideas for helping students come from professionals collaborating, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. I'm looking forward to bringing people together, fostering those connections, and helping ensure our members' voices and experiences are heard. By strengthening the community, we can continue supporting the professionals who work every day to create access and opportunity for students.

Is there anything you wish you knew at the start of your financial aid journey, or anything you would share with new financial aid professionals?

I wish I had known how amazing the community was sooner. I was a little shy at first, but I also had an amazing mentor who really helped me open up, show my personality, and meet all these amazing people who've really gotten me to where I am today.

If I were to give advice to newer professionals, I would say, just put yourself out there, say yes to the networking opportunities, and build community. Sometimes I think it's lost how impactful social interaction between colleagues and those at other institutions can be.

I was fortunate that I met my community pretty soon, but if I didn't have that opportunity, I just think it would have been such a loss for me in my career, and I don't know if I would have stuck with financial aid because it does get hard, and I think at the end of the day, what got me through the hard times was the people.

Is there anything in particular you're most looking forward to for the NASFAA National Conference?

I'm excited about the energy that comes from bringing everyone together, face-to-face. There's something special about being in a room with people who share the same passion and purpose. I'm also looking forward to all of the sessions. I love learning, and the NASFAA conference is such a great opportunity to gain new perspectives, discover fresh ideas, and bring that knowledge back to the work you do every day.

I am looking forward to the 60^th anniversary celebration. I think it's important to take moments like this to appreciate how far we've come. Reflecting on 60 years of history reminds us of the challenges the profession has navigated, the progress we've made together, and the strength of this community. It's a powerful reminder that even during difficult times, we continue to adapt, support one another, and emerge stronger. I have no doubt that will continue for years to come.

What's something that you couldn't function without?

TV. I am the biggest TV watcher, and it is like my way to decompress. If I were in a fire — I always make this joke — I would obviously take my fiancé and my dog first, and then my TV.

Is there a particular show you're glued to at the moment?

If I'm being completely basic, my favorite genre is definitely young adult, and right now I'm fully invested in “Off Campus” on Amazon Prime. But my all-time favorite show will always be “Grey's Anatomy.” At this point, I've invested far too many years of my life to turn back now, and somehow they still manage to keep me coming back for more!

You're going to find yourself on Slack a lot now. Are there any particular emojis that are your favorites? 

My favorite emoji is definitely the smiling face with rosy cheeks because it just feels friendly, positive, and fun, which is pretty much how I try to approach life. 

I also use the heart emoji a lot. This may be my inner millennial showing, but sometimes a thumbs-up can feel a little too serious! A heart feels warmer and more genuine. So if you ever get a heart emoji from me, just know it's sincere. I also have a habit of ending messages with "LOL" or an emoji because I never want anyone to think I'm being short. Again, a very millennial trait!

What's something you think everyone should know about Rhode Island?

I honestly think that we have some of the best beaches in the country. It's truly such a beautiful state, and people are very welcoming. And while I don’t eat seafood, apparently, we have the best seafood.

One of my favorite things about Rhode Island is that you can get just about anywhere in the state within an hour. We're small, but we make up for it with a lot of character. There's so much packed into such a tiny place, from beautiful beaches and historic landmarks to great restaurants, art, and culture. No matter what you're interested in, chances are it's only a short drive away.

Is there anything else you wanted to share with NASFAA members?

I'm just genuinely excited to continue being a part of such an incredible community, just in a new capacity. One of the things I'm most looking forward to in this role is helping members build meaningful connections within the NASFAA community because some of the best ideas, friendships, and professional growth come from the people you meet along the way.

I'll be in National Harbor at the NASFAA booth in front of the Innovation Hall most of the time, so I welcome anyone to come say hi, share a funny story, or if you need a tissue, I'll be there for all needs.

Publication Date: 6/15/2026

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