Captivating Couples 2011

They met online, in grad school and even at an adoption center. Their love stories quell the naysayers and show us all that it can happen. Quit mooning over your exes and be inspired!

(And they’re in no particular order ‘cause we’re captivated by them all!)

Amber & Samantha

Philadelphia, PA

Amber Hikes, 27, Director of Upward Bound

Samantha Giusti, 25, Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations at WOMEN’S WAY

Despite their busy careers in the nonprofit sector, Amber and Samantha find time to support their community. Amber helps low-income, inner-city students prepare for college and is co-producer of The Stimulus Party, a diverse and popular monthly women’s party in Philadelphia. Samantha raises money at the country’s oldest and largest women’s funding federation and coordinates Stimulus Gives Back, the community service initiative of Stimulus Productions. Although they went to the same graduate program, Amber (originally from Atlanta) and Samantha (a New Jersey native) were two years apart in school and never met. Luckily, a mutual friend later introduced them, but Amber was in a relationship at the time. Later on, the two (now both single) met again and their first date was at the first-ever Stimulus Party, which was also a fundraiser for the Philly Dyke March. “From our first moment, it felt like we had known each other forever.” Amber says. “We danced, laughed and Samantha won a butt plug in the sex toy raffle. Clearly, this relationship was destined for greatness from the start!”


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