How long have you been working in the fundraising profession?

Nearly three years
 
What do you love most about fundraising?
 
I love discovering ways to inspire giving. Each person is unique, and I enjoy learning about their backgrounds, passions, and motivations to build meaningful and impactful relationships.
 
Why did you decide to join AFPGV and participate in the mentorship program?
 
My Board recommended that I join AFPGV to enhance my fundraising skills, and I’m so grateful they did. The mentorship program provided a unique opportunity to receive valuable insights and guidance from an experienced fundraiser, which has been instrumental to my personal and professional development.
 
What do you enjoy most about being an AFPGV member?
 

Being an AFPGV member provides a wealth of learning opportunities and a supportive network where I can openly share both my successes and challenges. It’s invigorating to learn from individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

 
What example would you give of a strategy or practice you learned from your mentor that you have recently applied in the workplace that has brought you success?
 

My mentor, Chuck Levengood, provided invaluable strategies for navigating board dynamics and advocating for impactful changes within my organization through data-driven insights. He also emphasized the importance of personal touches, active listening, and engaging donors in ways that inspire their continued support. Thanks to his guidance, we secured several new donors for our golf event in 2023 and increased event revenue by 20% this past spring. Additionally, Chuck’s insights helped us refine our donor acknowledgements, segment audiences while implementing our new donor database, and have been pivotal in shaping this year’s Annual Campaign. These are just a few examples of how Chuck has profoundly uplifted both myself and Teresa House.

 
Why is Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) important to you and for the work we do every day as fundraising professionals?
 
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) are crucial for fostering authentic relationships and building trust, which lie at the heart of fundraising. By integrating these principles into our work, we ensure that our fundraising efforts resonate with and reflect the diverse communities we serve, ultimately creating deeper connections that lead to a lasting impact.

What is your advice to other AFPGV members?
 
My advice to fellow AFPGV members is to seize every opportunity to engage and connect with the community. I also plan to dedicate more time to interacting with our network. The insights and experiences I’ve gained through AFPGV, especially through the mentorship program, have been incredibly enriching. I look forward to continuing to learn from and contribute to this vibrant community.

Want to join the mentorship program? Click here to learn more about how you can be a mentor or mentee!