The Connector
Brala remains connected to °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ through her volunteer service, most notably with the °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ Alumni Association (VUAA), where she served as President from 2014 to 2016. During her tenure as President, she coined an acronym to help Alumni understand the Association and its value:
N – Networking – Connecting °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµns Personally and Professionally
O – One °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ – Create the Shared Connection
V – Value of °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ – Cultivate Time, Talent, and Treasure
A – Always a Wildcat – Connect °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµns through their Passion Points.
In addition, Brala was a member of the President’s Advisory Council and has been an Advisory Council Member for the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership since its founding in 2016. In recognition of her distinguished service to the University, Brala was selected by the VUAA as the recipient of its 2022 Loyalty Award.
Brala brings the same passion for teamwork and bringing people together as the Senior Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships at the University City Science Center, where she created Venture Café Philadelphia, a weekly event connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders and the creative community. Brala notes, “Since its inception in 2018, more than 25,000 people have attended a gathering, through which businesses have been formed, co-founders have connected, and friendships have been forged.â€
When recalling how her time at °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ influenced the individual she is today, Brala explains, “While a title or role may deem me ‘The Leader,’ I know how important it is to be a servant leader. I learned to be a servant leader at °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ. It is exemplified in the University motto: Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. Truth, unity and love are hallmarks of how I approach serving others.â€
Tracy Setlock Brala ’90 VSB
“There are so many competing priorities in life; I hope when I’m leading others, I make it an inspirational, valuable experience, and a great use of one’s time and talents.â€
