Get to know Miss Porter’s Pinar Ozyigit, Assistant Director Annual Giving

As a staff member at an independent school and someone directly connected to philanthropy, Pinar plays a crucial role in Miss Porter’s School community. 

Here are 3 questions to get to know her better:

As a dedicated staff member, Pinar Ozyigit plays an essential role in the Miss Porter’s School (Porter’s) community. In her role as assistant director of annual giving, Pinar bridges the gap between current students, faculty, parents, Ancients (alumnae), and the school; she ensures lasting connections that help shape the future of Miss Porter’s School. Here’s a glimpse into her life and work through three questions:

1. What is one thing you wish people knew about annual giving and its importance to the school’s mission?

Interestingly, I was a day student at a girls’ boarding high school in Istanbul, where our teachers affectionately called us “daisies.” It’s ironic because I come from a completely different culture than Miss Porter’s, yet one with striking similarities . . . empowering in its own way. My school, a public institution, was a government-supported initiative designed to provide girls from the Anatolian side of Turkey with access to quality education in the big city, equipping them to thrive in life. This experience planted seeds of passion in my heart and shaped my connection to supporting girls and women. It instilled in me a deep belief in their potential, which has guided my work ever since. Whether through my media projects, writing, or current endeavors, I’ve always dedicated myself to helping girls and women grow, develop, and succeed. This even made me create a campaign and change some laws in Turkey for working women, which I am incredibly proud of. 

When I think about all of these and when I look at Miss Porter’s, the cultures may differ, but skills, talent, and character transcend borders; they are universal. We are all unique, like fingerprints, yet profoundly connected. I wish everyone could sit in Main and feel our girls’ incredible aura and energy. They are pure blessings, brilliant, driven, and destined for greatness. When I see the girls, I remember my own classmates, or I’m reminded of the young team members I hired and worked with, especially the most brilliant ones, because I can see the talent, skills, and professional careers when I look at Porter’s girls. They are all unbelievably fantastic. They all have leadership, courage, and bravery in them. The environment and the entire MPS team give this to them. You cannot find this in any other institution. This place has something unique that no other place has in it. It’s like pure magic.

The daily, small, powerful moments of joy and growth we witness here are extraordinary. The brilliance in our girls’ eyes, their intelligence, their talents, and their emerging leadership are awe-inspiring. Having worked with women and girls throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about nurturing potential; what I see at Miss Porter’s is fascinating. These young women are becoming leaders who will change the world.

This is where the Annual Fund becomes so much more than just giving. It is the lifeline that makes these moments possible. It ensures that every girl, regardless of background, has the resources, support, and opportunities to thrive. The impact of your generosity is written in their stories, successes, and futures. Every gift—big or small—transforms lives, touching not just today but the many tomorrows these girls will lead. Through the Annual Fund, you’re not just contributing; you’re empowering brilliance, fostering leadership, and being part of a mission that changes lives forever.

Giving as a life philosophy ensures that we can continue to provide resources, programs, and support that touch the lives of our students and alumnae, fostering their growth and empowering them to thrive. If everyone could witness the impact of what we do daily, they would be even more proactive in supporting our mission. The little things we do, funded through giving, create a ripple effect that shapes incredible leaders and inspires a brighter future. No matter the size, every gift is critical in making this happen.

2. What goals or initiatives are you most excited about for the upcoming year, and how can community supporters help make a difference through their engagement and generosity?

Looking ahead, I am beyond proud and excited about the Senior Class Gift project and the extraordinary young women leading it. The Senior Class Gift Committee, Anna Valentino Risoli, Zaria St. Clair, Jeva Onduru, Margaret Fennebresque, Fiona Gosk, June Liu, Margaret Judge, and Sara Omar show incredible dedication, organization, and talent. Each of these girls brings something unique to the table; together, they are a powerhouse. As the leader, Anna is exceptional, guiding the group with vision and poise. They are working immensely hard, thinking deeply, and collaborating brilliantly to make this project not just a goal but a reality. And they have more than one goal, which is fascinating. It is more than just a project; it proves these young women’s strength, creativity, and leadership. Its goal is to create a lasting legacy while fostering a sense of unity and generosity among their class and the broader community.

This year, something exceptional is forming. An idea was in my mind, in my notes, since the first day I stepped into Miss Porters in June 2024. In Turkish, Mediterranean, and European cultures, we have wishing trees where people tie ribbons or little fabric pieces as they make their wishes, a beautiful symbol of hope and connection. You can see wishing trees everywhere. In our first meeting, I shared this idea with Anna, which sparked something extraordinary. After that, we talked about the book The Giving Tree, and from there, the concept grew into a meaningful project. These wonderful girls nurtured that tiny seed of an idea into something remarkable. You cannot believe how prepared they are and how they turned this idea into something big for Miss Porters. They worked tirelessly, thought creatively, and poured their hearts into making the Giving Tree a new tradition for Miss Porter’s that will symbolize our collective generosity and commitment for years to come.

I cannot even describe how proud and happy I am to see this project come to life. On Farmington Give Day, when the tree stands adorned with ribbons representing the generosity of our community, I know I will cry—a lot—. This project is more than a tradition; it embodies the spirit of connection, growth, and collaboration that makes Miss Porter’s so special.

3. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work, and how do you spend your free time?

The answer is one word: “writing.” My career spanning global experience in media, marketing, and communication has shaped my professional journey. All of these have become my DNA. I run a web publication with my dear friends, where we publish interviews with high-achiever working women. This makes me write a lot.

As a lifelong admirer of psychology and neuropsychology, I am deeply fascinated by understanding the human mind and behavior. As an official therapist-in-training working to complete my degree, I am writing a lot about mental health, especially for working women. Writing is both my passion and a healing practice.  I am a published author in my mother language, I have a couple of books, and I am currently focused on completing the draft of my first English book, which my publisher is eagerly waiting for before March 2025. This blend of media, writing, and psychology enables me to connect deeply with people and craft content that inspires, educates, and uplifts.

The other thing I do proudly outside work is actively supporting social responsibility projects. I am incredibly proud to serve as the Chair of the Farmington and Unionville Cultural Development Committee, collaborating with a fantastic group of dedicated individuals and exceptional town and state officials. As someone who has lived in the United States for only 10 years, I find that being part of this effort is a source of immense pride. 

Besides all these, I knit and do embroidery while watching TV or listening to audiobooks in my free time. I love to use my hands for creative things. Nowadays, I am making a knit daisy blanket while watching crime shows with my husband; of course, the daisy is one of my favorite flowers.