education sessions
Show Out. You Are Marvelous
Room: Arboretum 1
October 20
9:00am - 9:45am
You are here. You've made it and you belong here. But have you ever had a moment where you think "How am I going to keep this up?" or "Can I actually do this?" In this inspirational and motivational message, author, speaker, and coach, Shanterra McBride, will provide tools and strategies for how to persevere even in the midst of the unknown. She will also explain what she means when she says, "you are marvelous."
Speakers
Mentorship, Coaching & Workplace Sponsorship for the Emerging Leader
Room: Arboretum 1
October 20
10:00am - 10:45am
Come join us as we examine three areas of personal and professional growth for the emerging leader. In this workshop we will examine the differences between mentorship, sponsorship and coaching for your continued life-long growth and learning. We will also learn about finding these individuals, making the ask for their assistance and building the relationship for success.
Speakers
Ken Miller, CFRE
Denali FSP, LLC - President
A dynamic trainer, speaker and consultant, Ken Miller, CFRE is the president of Denali Fundraising & Grant Consultants, a nonprofit fundraising consultancy he founded in 2014 after a long career in development. Ken was awarded his Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2016 and received his AFP Certified Master Trainer (CMT) certificate in 2017. In 2020 he was awarded the Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy by the AFP Alaska Chapter.Pivot, Adapt, Refocus: Career Growth and Fundraising Through Adversity
Room: Arboretum 1
October 20
11:00am - 11:45am
As fundraising professionals, we strive to be innovative and creative to help drive our mission. But throughout our careers we often face unplanned roadblocks that impact us as individuals and impact our fundraising efforts. Throughout this session, Rich Waldmann provides a candid retrospective of his career, from gift entry to Director of Development—all by the age of 30. Rich also explains how the many roadblocks prepared him to raise over $3M+ during Covid-19.
Speakers
Landing (or Keeping) Your Dream Job: A Career Success Roadmap
Room: Arboretum 1
October 20
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Spend the day with Kishshana Palmer, CFRE building your skills on how to be a high performing fundraiser, how to get ready for your DREAM role and how to create lasting relationships among your peers. You’ll get her “how to” playbook of stepping into your fundraising role authentically and how to build relationships that convert to transformative giving.
Speakers
Kishshana Palmer, CFRE
Bamboo vs. Bonsai: Applying and Creating an Organizational Entrepreneurial Mindset
Room: Regency Ballroom
October 21
10:45am - 11:45am
Individuals with Entrepreneurial Mindsets look for fresh alternatives, willingly accept risks, and are resilient to failure. But how do we as leaders ethically and inclusively create a team approach, an Organizational Entrepreneurial Mindset (OEM?) Do we go for fast-growing, dynamic change (bamboo) or a longterm, incremental-improvement approach (bonsai)? In this interactive session, we explore which components of EM are useful in development and explore research-based decision-making matrices to implement EM-thinking for greatest organizational impact.
Speakers
Benjamin Mohler, ACFRE, CFRE, MA
GivingThree LLC - Principal Consultant and Executive Director
Benjamin Mohler most recently served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Kentucky Community and Technical College System. He oversaw all advancement operations for 16 colleges, 70 campuses, and 100,000+ students. He has served in key advancement roles at Eastern Kentucky University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cedarville University, and University of Texas Austin. With a masters in philanthropy from St. Mary’s University, Ben serves as principal of GivingThree LLC. A CFRE and one of just 110 Advanced Certified Fundraising Executives, he serves on the ACFRE Board. He was named Charlotte Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” in 2013.William (Bill) Bartolini, ACFRE, MA, PhD
Bartolini Philanthropic - Principal
Bill Bartolini, Ph.D., ACFRE, is a well-known mentor, AFP Master Fundraising Teacher, coach, and counselor in philanthropy. He served on his local and the Global AFP board, and AFP Foundation. After 40 years in the profession, Bill recently retired from Ohio State where he solicited gifts of $5M+. He previously worked at George Washington University, Northeastern (where he was VP for Development), Kent State, Ball State, and a variety of nonprofits. Bill received degrees from Ball State, Indiana University, and Kent State, where his PhD dissertation asked “What do People Think and Feel when You Ask them for Money?”IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access): Moving the Fundraising Community Forward
Room: Window Box
October 21
10:45am - 11:45am
As the world around us demands our continual evolution to ensure equity and inclusion, it can be difficult for nonprofits and nonprofit leaders to know where to begin. This program is a genuine, candid space to explore the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation (IDEAL) and the effect of these principles on the communities we serve and organizations as a whole.
Speakers
Illyasha (Illy) Peete, MA, MBA
California Life Sciences & Center for Excellence in Nonprofi - Executive Director of Racial and Social Equity & CEN Consult
Illy earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Western Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration in Global Management from Ashford University. She earned a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University and a certification from BoardSource in nonprofit leadership. In addition to all of her work experience, Illy has a 25-year history of board service and currently serves as the Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).The Leadership Factor: Why Some Fundraising Professionals Always Succeed
Room: Imperial Ballroom West
October 21
10:45am - 11:45am
No longer is it enough to be the best fundraiser in the room. Through a commitment to character development, continual learning, confirming the fundamentals, innovation, and modeling excellence, the leader of a development program can bring out the best from their team and build a successful program of significance. Through this session walking through the speakers’ new book BeneFactors, attendees will learn the key factors to becoming leaders of the modern fundraising enterprise.
Speakers
Josh Birkholz, MA
Building A Community of Care: Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness At Work
Room: Arboretum 1
October 21
10:45am - 11:45am
Organizations want to optimize results by supporting employees' mental health and well-being. However, with the growing mental health crisis, it's more important than ever for managers to support their teams. Join us as we proactively review policies and programs, including implementing innovative professional development mental health and wellness programs.
Speakers
Linda McGhee, JD, PhD
McGhee & Associates, LLC
Dr. Linda McGhee is a licensed clinical psychologist who speaks and writes nationally on mental health, race, and education. She received her Psy.D. from George Washington University following a career as an attorney. Dr. McGhee is on the Board of Directors and the President of the Maryland Psychological Association. Dr. McGhee specializes in speaking and training on mental health, diversity and inclusion, and culturally competent therapy and assessment.Advocacy in the Nonprofit Sector: What, Why, and How
Room: Arboretum 4
October 21
10:45am - 11:45am
More than ever, the nonprofit sector has an important role and responsibility in advocacy work. This session will provide a framework to understand what advocacy work actually entails, how and why the nonprofit sector fits into it, and concrete and practical ways nonprofit professionals may be advocates for the communities they serve, the causes they care about, and the organizations they represent.
Speakers
Lillian Ortiz, MSW
Preparing Your Nonprofit For Growth and Success: Lessons Learned from a High Growth For-Profit
Room: Arboretum 1
October 21
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Determining how to shift strategies in a tough economic environment is difficult for any organization. Your nonprofit’s brand, mission, vision, and values are all vital to your nonprofit’s success, but when was the last time you evaluated your organization’s unique story? In this session, Bloomerang’s Chief Marketing Officer will share mistakes and lessons learned from her first-hand experience with leading high-growth companies – and all the leadership challenges and successes she’s gathered along the journey.
Speakers
Bloomerang - Chief Marketing Officer
As Bloomerang‘s Chief Marketing Officer, Ann is responsible for thought leadership, brand, marketing, and community outreach programs that work to strengthen relationships with nonprofits. Ann brings with her more than 24 years of experience in business-to-business marketing, and was named one of the “Top Women Leaders in SaaS of 2018.”How to Leverage Strategic Alliances for Optimal Financial Management
Room: Arboretum 4
October 21
1:45pm - 2:45pm
With new organizations popping up almost daily, small grassroots community organizations have the opportunity to join forces with those doing similar work in order to cut costs, maximize impact in the community, and ultimately grow together. Join this session to see examples of strategic alliances we have formed and how you can negotiate similar alliances within your organizations.
Speakers
Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, MBA, PhD
Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership - Executive Director
Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier has twelve years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has worked with 50+ organizations, and raised approximately $4 million. She currently runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, and is the Executive Director of Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership. She was the youngest recipient of AFP's Outstanding Young Professional in 2018 and recently completed AFP's Women's Impact Initiative Leadership Development Program. She currently chairs the AFP LEAD Host Committee and serves on AFP’s Emerging Leaders Initiative Task Force where she chairs the mentor program.How to Succeed with Succession Planning
Room: Regency Ballroom
October 21
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Nonprofit senior-level leaders and C-suite roles are not immune to the employment factors contributing to the great migration. Organizational leadership must adequately plan for the “who” comes next in addition to the “what” comes next that we typically see in strategic plans. Those responsible for nonprofit succession planning and hiring need to be mindful of current trends and best practices, and make the most of technology that can help leaders ensure smooth transitions.
Speakers
Kimberly O’Donnell, CFRE, ACC
Rahul Shah, MBA
How to Maximize Employee Engagement
Room: Window Box
October 21
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Employee engagement manages employees' perspectives on the crucial elements of your workplace culture. You can discover if employees are actively engaged, or simply putting in their time. With the right approach, you can improve employees’ connection to their work and to the organization.
Speakers
Sargent Solutions Inc - President and CEO
Wendy Smith has worked in fundraising for over 30 years! She named Sargent Solutions, which she launched in 2006, after her father who became disabled while Wendy’s mother was pregnant with her. After witnessing her parents’ pursuit of giving back to a community that had given them so much, it has always been her belief that one person can make the world a better place. Sargent is doing an impressive job of living this belief. Wendy has created a cohesive family of high achievers dedicated to making a difference.Leading to Inspire Joy in your Development Team
Room: Imperial Ballroom West
October 21
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Overwhelmed. Disconnected. Frustrated. Your mission – inspire Joy in your development team. How? We’ll explore how values have changed and today’s stressors have left many development professionals fragile and uncertain. Then we’ll deep dive into helpful assessment tools and tips for leading JOY that will inspire renewed energy, creativity and excitement for fostering generosity. Bring your success strategies to share. You will learn, sing, have fun and leave with a long list of effective ideas.
Speakers
Marcy Heim, CFRE, AFP Master Teacher, Certified Speaking Profession-NSA and Professional Life Coaching Certification, UW Madison
The Artful Asker - CEO
Marcy Heim, CEO, The Artful Asker, lives to inspire generosity and transformation! She’s a resilient risk-taker enhancing your major giving, leadership and life! She has 20+ years managing teams and a leadership-level portfolio at UW-Madison through 3 campaigns including the $1.8 Billion Create-the-Future Campaign. As a consultant since 2006, Marcy’s in-person & virtual presentations and coaching programs have empowered fundraisers/boards with skills/confidence to raise millions. Credentials include: CSP, PLCC (UW-Madison), CFRE, AFP Master Teacher, CASE Crystal Apple and CASE Laureate. Her book, "Empowering Effective Development Ambassadors" is a key board resource. You will learn, be lifted up, and have fun.Prospecting Perfection: Organize Your Portfolio for Optimal Results
Room: Arboretum 1
October 21
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned vet, a functional organized, portfolio is a must-have. Oftentimes, portfolios can get convoluted or out of line with the fundraising goals of your organization. This session provides valuable tips on how to assess your portfolio for improvement, clear a path for an intelligible prospecting direction, and follow that trail for a long-term, successful strategy for yourself and your team.
Speakers
The Urgency of Now: We Need a New Approach to Planning
Room: Arboretum 4
October 21
3:00pm - 4:00pm
We need to stop looking to the past for solutions and to charge forward and take the risks necessary to truly reinvent our organizations to meet the needs of a changing world. The pandemic has taught us when laying plans, whether they be specific to fundraising or designed with larger organizational, programmatic, or operational goals in mind, a reliance on what we have done in the past has never been less predictive of the future.
Speakers
Craig Shelley, CFRE
Orr Group - Partner and Chief Growth Officer
Craig Shelley is Partner and Chief Growth Officer at Orr Group, which provides nonprofits with strategy, fundraising, leadership and management solutions and has offices in New York City and Washington, DC. Craig partners with the sector’s most ambitious leaders to help realize their organizational goals. Prior to joining Orr Group, Craig served in a variety of positions with the Boy Scouts of America, most recently as the national director of development and corporate alliances. He serves a the President-Elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ New York City Chapter and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).The Paradox of Leadership
Room: Regency Ballroom
October 21
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Leadership is a privilege and at the same-time a painful experience. So many responsibilities, so many voices, so many challenges, it can make even a veteran leader want to run for the hills! Giving and receiving feedback is often at the center of this issue and individual and group exercises will help us get on top of the practice. We will also discuss how to handle the hurt through work/life balance and self-care.
Speakers
Lisa Stueckemann, CFRE, MNA
New Life Solutions - Vice President of Philanthropy
Lisa Stueckemann, MNA, CFRE, is the Vice President of Philanthropy at New Life Solutions on the West Coast of Florida. Her undergraduate degree in theatre from the University of Cincinnati and master of nonprofit administration from North Park University provide a unique and creative lens to her fundraising strategy and leadership style. She has on-the-ground experience in annual giving, major gifts, corporate philanthropy, event design, and planned giving. Lisa is a member of the AFP Tampa Bay Chapter serving in the Mentor-Protege Program and as a facilitator for their Leadership Affinity Group.Embracing I.D.E.A. During Hiring: What Nonprofits Can Learn From My Job Search
Room: Window Box
October 21
3:00pm - 4:00pm
We’ve all heard about ‘The Great Resignation.’ Now come hear how one seasoned fundraiser navigated a job search during the pandemic, uncovered some unsavory hiring practices, and what your nonprofit can learn from it to ensure you are embracing I.D.E.A. during your next hiring process.
Speakers
Sarah Cortell Vandersypen, CFRE, MA
Philanthropic Partners - CEO and Consultant
Sarah Cortell Vandersypen, CFRE has more than 10 years of fundraising and consulting experience. She currently leads a consulting firm, Philanthropic Partners, which provides training and coaching services. Most recently, Sarah served as the Vice President of Development for HelpCureHD. She is dedicated to advancing the profession as a committee member for AFP Global, board member for the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter, an AFP Master Trainer, and a former Board Member for AFP Global.How to Impact Your Personal Wealth with Better Passive Investments
Room: Cottonwood
October 21
3:00pm - 4:00pm
We're all focused on creating a positive impact on the world and improving our communities, but how do we impact our own lives, especially with personal finances. In this session, we’re going to explore how to use passive investments to create a springboard and cushion for ourselves financially.
Speakers
Angela Matthews, CFEI, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL EDUCATOR
Happy Investor Method
Angela E. Matthews is an Investment Coach, and founder of the Happy Investor MethodTM. As an experienced investor of over 12 years, she has conducted workshops and 1:1 coaching with thousands of individuals. As a first-generation investor, she was making $40,000 a year, and was six figures in debt when she taught herself how to generate multiple 6 figures passively in the stock market. Her goal is to make investing accessible and fun for all.The Lonely Road to Leading
Room: Imperial Ballroom West
October 21
3:00pm - 4:00pm
It’s not as glamorous as social makes it seem on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. It can be challenging and lonely. True leaders will ensure they do what’s right, even at their cost. They often take the high road concerning truth and ethics. They take the hard times straight on and make the tough calls. This session will explore the Leadership experiences of three leaders about their diverse backgrounds based on gender, race, disabilities, and sexuality.
Speakers
Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, LLC - Founder, and CEO
With over 30 years in the philanthropic industry, Dwayne Ashley has utilized his knowledge of fundraising and passion for social justice to create opportunities for people of color through his founding of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting (BPC), the nation’s only full-service Black-owned fundraising firm. Throughout his career, Dwyane sought to align with organizations that shared his values regarding the betterment of Black-and-Brown people and, through that alignment, has raised over $1 billion to support those communities.Tammy Smithers, Ed.d
How to Handle Conflicts With Empathy and Strengthen Your Team in the Process
Room: Arboretum 1
October 22
9:00am - 10:00am
In this session, participants will gain skills to manage conflicts within their teams more effectively by deploying their natural empathy and taking a proactive approach to conflict resolution. Together, participants will explore the signs/signals of burgeoning conflicts within teams and define internal and external conflicts and the need to approach both differently. Examining their own behaviors, leaders will learn to assess their own approaches to conflict and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
Speakers
Lauri Lumm, MA
Advancement Resources - Vice President and Senior Facilitator
A seasoned facilitator, Lauri has extensive experience working with participants of diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about helping development professionals and other associates broaden their perspectives and hone their skills in order to achieve breakthrough success in fundraising. With a background in coaching and performance management, Lauri has a proven track record in facilitating team-building, conflict management, leadership, strategic planning, and other professional development courses to academic institutions and non-profit organizations. Lauri holds a master’s degree in adult learning and organizational performance.Why Bother: Leadership Starts Within
Room: Arboretum 4
October 22
9:00am - 10:00am
Tired of feeling burnt out? Ready to apply some simple tools to transform yourself and your team? Join Why Bother: Leadership Starts Within for a no frills conversation from a recovering workaholic turned passion igniter. The time is now - hope you're up for the challenge.
Speakers
Christian Murphy, CFRE, MPA
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
Christian Murphy harnesses more than a decade of fundraising experience to support women and girls in our community through the power of dynamic relationships. She is the past president for the AFP, Greater Atlanta as well as a volunteer for the Junior League of Atlanta and Twelve Days of Christmas, Atlanta Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman and her MPA from Georgia State University. Christian, her husband, their two children and dog reside in Georgia.Shift Happens: How Gratitude Will Improve Your Fundraising and Your Life
Room: Regency Ballroom
October 22
9:00am - 10:00am
Do you want to sleep better, be more active and even feel happier, not to mention improve your fundraising in the process? Well, "Shift Happens" with gratitude. Learn how gratitude not only helps us feel good, but also do good and the powerful transformative ripple effect it carries through intentional, persistent practice.
Speakers
Clarissa Reis, CFRE
Fort Wayne Ballet - Chief Development Officer
With a background in psychology, Clarissa seeks to positively influence and elevate other mission-focused fundraising professionals, acting as a connector, sharing innovative strategies, adaptive, forward-thinking leadership, coupled with an ever-growing resource library, offering necessary tools to achieve short- and long-term goals. Ever the lifelong learner, Clarissa is a graduate of the YLNI Leadership Institute, Foellinger Rising Leaders, IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Certificate(s) in Current Affair Fundraising and Fund Raising Management (CFRM), achieving her CFRE in less than five years, and Chamberlain Scholar. Clarissa currently serves as Northeast Indiana Chapter President and Chief Development Officer of Fort Wayne Ballet.Self-care and Wellbeing as a Leadership Practice
Room: Cottonwood
October 22
9:00am - 10:00am
Self-Care and Wellbeing are often seen as “something extra” we can do when in fact we know that self-care is an essential component of leadership. What once was thought to be “too woo-woo,” is now understood to be an antidote to burnout. This interactive session will focus on the practical application of self-care while focusing on: mindfulness, “habit stacking,” and self-compassion.
Speakers
Tanya Odom, Ed.M.
Leadership 2.0: Discovering Your Authentic Leadership Style
Room: Imperial Ballroom West
October 22
9:00am - 10:00am
Leadership is not someone else's job. As a development professional you hold the keys to success for your organization and for your career. Come explore who you are as a nonprofit leader and what you aim to contribute to the world through an interactive discussion that will challenge your ethical boundaries, push you to consider your "non-negotiables" and ultimately claim your authentic leadership style.
Speakers
Bret Heinrich, CFRE
Wings of Hope - President and CEO
Bret Heinrich is CEO of Wings of Hope, an organization twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize that saves and changes lives through the power of aviation. He serves as Vice Chair, Professional Development on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global Board of Directors, is an AFP St. Louis Past-President, and has served on numerous boards. He teaches leadership at Washington University, Webster University and at the Southern University Valdry Center for Philanthropy. Bret obtained a BA from Eureka College, an MFA from Western Illinois University, and earned his CFRE credential in 2005. He is also an ordained minister.Fostering a Culture of Gender Inclusion in Fundraising and Nonprofit Spaces
Room: Window Box
October 22
9:00am - 10:00am
Women account for 73% of the nonprofit workforce yet only 45% of nonprofit CEOs are female and just 21% are CEOs of $25M+ organizations. The data is less equitable for women of color as 7.5% of all executive staff and 14% of boards are women of color. Until we understand how gender bias appears in nonprofit and fundraising spaces, the power dynamics at play, we cannot begin to change the impact of gender exclusion.
Speakers
Rachel Branaman, MA
Talem Consulting - Principal
Rachel is the principal consultant of Talem Consulting, a national, woman-owned, full-service DEIJ consulting firm established in 2011 focused on ensuring organizations have the tools they need to build capacity, fundraise, and dismantle systems of inequity. She has worked in fundraising/development roles at Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Dallas Heritage Village, and Dallas Children's Museum as well as serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in Namibia before returning to Texas to serve as executive director for Alley’s House, providing direct services to teen mothers.How to Deal with Sexual Harassment in the Fundraising Profession
Room: Arboretum 1
October 22
10:15am - 11:15am
Sexual harassment is a problem that many fundraisers face. This workshop focuses on how to address sexual harassment at the individual, relational, organizational, and cultural levels. We will discuss a sexual harassment case scenario and then debrief on how to replicate such a session in your own organization or chapter.
Speakers
Erynn Beaton, PhD, MBA
The Ohio State University
Dr. Erynn Beaton is an Assistant Professor in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University where she teaches courses on nonprofit management. In her research she studies the ways in which the nonprofit sector and its organizations combat, reflect, and sometimes reproduce structural inequalities. Beaton earned her doctorate at the University of Massachusetts Boston in the business school’s program on Organizations & Social Change. In a previous career she worked in marketing and brand management. She currently serves on the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Council and is the doting mother to a 3-year old.More than a Seat at the Table: Engaging Marginalized Communities in Program Design and Implementation
Room: Arboretum 4
October 22
10:15am - 11:15am
You’re applying for a grant, and it’s a perfect match. And then they ask, “How is your nonprofit centering community voices?” What does this question mean, and why is it important? Using real-life examples, we will examine simple strategies nonprofits can use to authentically engage marginalized communities and put them in the driver’s seat during project planning, implementation, and evaluation. How you respond and follow through on this commitment, will determine your nonprofit’s fundraising success.
Speakers
Dondra Ward Uzoka, MS, GPC
Sidnae Global Research - President and CEO
Dondra Ward Uzoka, CEO of Sidnae Global Research, has a passion for supporting organizations that enact social change and strengthen neighborhoods. Specializing in government grants and program design, she has helped nonprofits win $6M+ in competitive grant awards. As a trainer, she loves to work with groups of mixed experience levels. Prior to starting SGR, Dondra worked at the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and US Environmental Protection Agency. Dondra has earned a M.S. in Biotechnology, a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Information Systems, a Grant Professional Certified credential, and she is a Grant Professionals Association Approved Trainer.Liberating Your Pay
Room: Regency Ballroom
October 22
10:15am - 11:15am
In our session, we will empower new fundraisers with the framework they need to self-advocate for more equitable pay. Using these tools, fundraisers can expect to charge their experienced team in focusing on the specifics of their mission, not the basics of the fundraising profession itself.
Speakers
Suhailah Waheed, BA
Giving Geeks LLC. - Giving Geeks, LLC.
A self-defined “giving geek,” Suhailah works to connect supporters of inclusive community advancements to the technology and operational processes necessary to thrive, no matter the size of the organization. Suhailah believes everyone deserves optimal support in fulfilling their goals toward social impact. An organized and talented campaign planner, she excels at development operations and helping organizations acquire and retain donors.Tim Sarrantonio, MA
Neon One - Director of Corporate Brand
Tim Sarrantonio is a team member at Neon One and has more than 10 years of experience working for and volunteering with nonprofits.Tim has raised over $3 million for various causes, engaged and enhanced databases of all sizes, procured multiple successful grants, and formulated engaging communications and fundraising campaigns for several nonprofits. He has presented at international conferences and is a TEDx speaker on technology and philanthropy. He volunteers heavily in his community around Niskayuna, NY.Speak Like a Leader: The Secret Language of Leaders
Room: Cottonwood
October 22
10:15am - 11:15am
All leaders know one skill above all others determines their success. It is communication. This session will give you the language of leaders. What works and what does not. You will learn how to speak with authority and kindness to accomplish goals while also empowering employees. We will reveal some language that sounds leader-like that really erodes confidence in us. You will leave with practical examples and new ideas. Speak and communicate with confidence.
Speakers
Wayne Olson, JD
Intermountain Healthcare Foundation - Gift Planning Officer
Wayne Olson is a veteran fundraiser and leader of nonprofits. He has worked with donors to raise hundreds of millions of dollars. His specialty is planned giving, but he has worked or led teams in all areas of the profession. Currently, he heads planned giving for one of the largest and greatest healthcare systems in the world. He is the author of six books, and an internationally-known speaker on fundraising, leadership and donor relations.The Big Secret to Public Policy & Lobbying: Every Fundraiser is a Natural Advocate
Room: Imperial Ballroom West
October 22
10:15am - 11:15am
Every fundraiser is a natural lobbyist and advocate because the skills involved are EXACTLY the same as fundraising. This session, led by AFP public policy volunteer leaders, will open up a new avenue of leadership—public policy and advocacy—highlight key legislative issues and help fundraisers bring their fundraising skills to bear on all levels of government.
Speakers
Adrienne Longenecker, CFRE
Colorado River Alliance - Executive Director
Adrienne Longenecker, a certified fundraising executive, has led an impressive career as a creative problem solver, visionary executive, and meaningful relationship steward in the nonprofit and for-profit fields. Serving as the Executive Director at Colorado River Alliance, Adrienne drives the organization’s strategic growth and partnership development, and oversees the talented and dedicated staff team. A passionate community servant, Adrienne has enjoyed serving as a board member for organizations such as Leadership Austin, and Sharir+Bustamante Danceworks. Adrienne currently volunteers as Vice Chair of External Relations for the Board of Directors of the Global Association of Fundraising Professionals.Lisa Chmiola, CFRE, MS
Angela Young, CFRE
Nancy Brown, CFRE, MS
Winona Community Foundation - President/CEO
Nancy M. Brown, CFRE, has been working in the nonprofit sector for twenty-seven years with experience in higher education and healthcare fundraising and charitable estate planning prior to assuming her current role as president/CEO of the Winona Community Foundation in Winona, Minnesota. Brown is the current chair of AFP’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and is a member of the Finance Committee. Brown has master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Culture Shift: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference in Workplace Culture
Room: Arboretum 1
October 22
12:45pm - 1:45pm
This workshop will discuss the importance of workplace culture and how the right shifts can help grow and retain employees. Culture shifts can strengthen teams, empower leaders, and carry an organization forward for future years. Creating a collaborative and uplifting workplace culture can help employees feel heard, acknowledged, and understood. Deborah will leave the audience with immediate action items that can be implemented right away for positive change.
Speakers
Deborah Marshall, MA
American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) - Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President
Deborah K Marshall is an internationally renowned facilitator who thrives on strategizing with leadership across the nonprofit sector. Deborah has a vast background holding significant executive roles in real estate development, healthcare, public relations, and currently as the Chief Operating Officer and Sr. Vice President of the American Fundraising Foundation. She was even recently recognized as 2020’s Fundraiser of the Year by Nonprofit Pro. Deborah is a motivating and inspiring speaker for any size audience.From Silos to Collaboration: Grant Management for Team Building
Room: Arboretum 4
October 22
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Feeling siloed within your organization? Do departments rarely communicate, leaving you feeling lost in what's happening across the hall or from your remote office? This session will crack the code on building trusting and transparent relationships that break down silos, particularly when it comes to grant management. As a social worker and granter writer, this speaker brings unique perspective on engaging key internal stakeholders to elevate teams for greater impact.
Speakers
Kate Greene, MSW
Jewish Federations of North America - Director, Resiliency Roundtable
Kate Greene is a licensed social worker with a sincere commitment to holistic, community-based nonprofits. Her passion for social work, paired with her strengths in writing and public speaking, have allowed her to facilitate programs, write grants, and build strong community partnerships. Kate’s professional track record of advancing strategy, equity, and coordination of care spans work with children, families, educators, and foundations. Kate brings experience in mentorship, ongoing impact evaluation, community organizing, social justice education, and advocating for best practices in caring for clients and communities. Kate received a BASW from Rutgers and an MSW from NYU.It’s Time To Elevate
Room: Regency Ballroom
October 22
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Do you want to lead people at your work or in your community? Are you seeking a promotion and wondering how to prepare for your next opportunity? This session is geared for any professional who is looking to grow and elevate professionally. Learn key strategies that will help you own your power and hold space with confidence.
Speakers
Lereca Monik, Master Public Administration
How to Hire Authentic Leaders to do Transformational Work
Room: Imperial Ballroom West
October 22
12:45pm - 1:45pm
There is a dissonance that exists between transformational change needed in struggling communities and the transactional work often required. After interviewing 20 nonprofit executives and 6 foundation staff, Catherine will share what would happen if you had an organization built with authentic leaders engaged in transformational relationships. Teams equipped to build relationships both inside with program participants and outside your organization with donors to create transformational change together.
Speakers
Catherine Draeger-Pederson, MA, PhD
Loving Venti, LLC. - CEO & Nonprofit Consultant
Catherine (Draeger) Pederson, Ph.D. is a relational leader, strategic thinker, and strength-based leader who brings 17 years of executive nonprofit experience into her role as the CEO of Loving Venti Consulting Practice. She has had experience with various small-to-medium sized nonprofits as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association, Friedens Food Pantry Network, Shielded Hearts (founder), and as an adjunct lecturer at UW-Milwaukee in nonprofit studies. Recipient of numerous awards, including the Ten Outstanding Young America's (TOYA) award from the United States Jaycees. She earned her Ph.D. in Leadership, Learning, and Service from Cardinal Stritch University."CANCELLED" Combat Leadership Lessons for Fundraising Professionals
Room: Cottonwood
October 22
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Even on the best of days, fundraising can feel like a battle. The good news is there are proven ways that war-weary fundraising professionals can find renewal and resilience, even under duress. In this interactive presentation, two-time Iraq combat veteran and fundraising expert Derik Timmerman will share his practical methods for standing strong in fundraising and in life.
Speakers
Derik Timmerman, CFRE, PhD
