Hi, I’m Hillary Marotta. You may have read my most recent best-selling book, Playing My Heart Out: One Ringer’s Passion for Handbells, or my first book, Head and Heart: How to Run a Smart and Compassionate Nonprofit. I have begun to realize my dream of conducting my own handbell ensemble by forming a beginning level handbell choir in my home. Those ringers are the highlight of my week and I look forward to additional conducting opportunities in the future.

I have been a musician almost all of my life. I began learning to play the piano in elementary school and followed that quickly with the flute. Flute took me through all of my school years, college, and beyond in community bands and church settings. I began ringing handbells in sixth grade but took a long hiatus until I heard handbells at Bucknell University. I spent three years as a Rooke Chapel Ringer under Dr. William Payn’s direction and have reprised that role several times since on multiple occasions for varying lengths of time. I have also rung for church groups in Virginia and Pennsylvania as well as the Hershey Handbell Ensemble. I was selected to play in five Distinctly Bronze audition-only events through the Handbell Musicians of America organization. In addition, I have studied conducting under Dr. William Payn’s baton and served as a substitute conductor for the Rooke Chapel Ringers on multiple occasions. My dream is to conduct my own handbell ensemble in the future.

My professional passion has been working in the nonprofit sector, which has been driven by my desire to help and serve others. My 20-year career has included teaching English as a Second Language to immigrants, managing educational programs and volunteers, executing projects, and planning events. I’ve written grants, procured funding, and built relationships with funders, clients, and stakeholders alike. From education to public health and mental health nonprofits, my work has given me invaluable experience in community engagement, strategic planning, and organizational development. As recent Chair of the Endowment Board of the Hershey Library, I appeared in a promotional video aimed at giving community members and donors a clear picture of the library structure and its importance in the community. I currently serve on the board of the American Mental Wellness Association and as the Vice President for the the Friends of the Hershey Public Library Board.

The common threads in my life have always been helping others and making connections, and both my personal and professional passions have developed as vehicles to do just that. Through my writing, my speaking, and my music, I tell stories that educate, share my experiences, and inspire others to find their greatest passions, help others, and form personal and professional connections, whether they be in the nonprofit sector or the world of music. I would love to speak to you and your group about my experiences, either personally or professionally, and the impact they can have on you.