MBA Graduate Builds Meaningful Career Helping Domestic Violence Survivors

MBA Graduate Builds Meaningful Career Helping Domestic Violence Survivors

By Bri Phillips

An error occurred while preparing your download

As co-executive director of Kathy's Legacy Foundation, Alex Lutz will tell you that no two days are ever the same. One moment she's assembling raffle baskets, the next she's reviewing financial statements.

"It's almost like you could take a Fully Employed MBA class schedule and go, 'OK, yep, you've tapped finance, you've tapped accounting, marketing, leadership,' " Lutz said. "Somehow, I have to wear one of those hats at any given point in my job."

Founded in the wake of a tragic act of domestic violence, Kathy's Legacy Foundation honors the memory of Kathy Scharbarth, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2011. The nonprofit supports children and pets impacted by domestic violence - offering comfort, stability and hope through its two signature programs.

Lutz, who joined the organization in 2019 after earning an MBA from Cal State San Marcos, thrives on the variety and challenges of nonprofit work. Her time at CSUSM helped her develop a deeper understanding of her strengths and areas for growth, while also fostering connections that continue to support her in her role today.

"CSUSM helped me focus on what I felt like my strong suits were and what I liked and didn't like," Lutz said. "The personal connections I made at CSUSM have become invaluable professional resources."

Years after graduating, Lutz came full circle when she collaborated with CSUSM business students on their Senior Experience project for Kathy's Legacy. Although the project was ultimately cut short due to the pandemic, Lutz felt a strong connection to the students because she had completed similar projects while earning her MBA.

"The project was marketing-focused, and we were working to try to reach donors who resonate with our mission, " Lutz said. "I was bummed that we didn't get to finish in person together, but I loved getting to work with them as someone who has gone through the same experience. It was great, and we got some amazing materials in return."

Lutz first connected with Kathy's Legacy when a friend asked if she'd be interested in consulting on an event for the organization. She was immediately drawn to the mission and soon after was hired full time as a program manager. In the ensuing years, she steadily took on more responsibility, stepping into the role of co-executive director in 2024.

• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham
• Alex Lutz joined Kathy's Legacy in 2019 after earning an MBA from CSUSM. Photo by Luna Canham

An error occurred while preparing your download

"I feel like jumping in wholeheartedly and putting everything I had into Kathy's Legacy led me to where I am today," Lutz said.

The foundation's work centers on two initiatives: the Silver Lining program, which helps children heal from the trauma of losing a parent to domestic violence, and the Lady's Legacy program, which was inspired by Scharbarth's yellow labrador, Lady, who was present when Scharbarth was killed. Lady became a symbol of the often-overlooked impact of domestic violence on pets.

Lutz now helps coordinate multiple fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Kathy's Legacy Golf Tournament held at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos.

The work isn't easy, but Lutz says the impact is clear at the quarterly events Kathy's Legacy hosts. There she sees firsthand how the organization is changing the lives of the children they support.

"We had one boy who was not doing well during COVID and even long after the pandemic would wear a mask and have his hood up," Lutz said. "But in the past year, the hood has come off and he's smiling and engaging, which means something we're doing is working.

"I love that we can be that beacon of light and that reliability that these kids don't have anywhere else."

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

[email protected] | Office: 760-750-7314