education sessions
Find Your Fire (Emerging Leaders Session)
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 19
9:00am - 10:00am
Find Your Fire will provide the tools to turn your vision into reality. This session is for current or aspiring politicians, activists, nonprofit professionals, social entrepreneurs, visionaries, and movement makers. It’s the way of kindling more firestarters and keeping their light burning strong.
Speakers
Mentoring Vs. Coaching (Emerging Leaders Session)
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 19
10:00am - 11:00am
A robust interactive session on the distinction between mentoring and coaching. While leveling setting on the value of both services, the focus of the conversation is how to maximize a coaching relationship to navigate your professional journey to maximize your organizational impact.
Speakers
Fundraising Ethics (Emerging Leaders Session) Presented by Blackbaud
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 19
11:00am - 11:45am
Sometimes unease arises from clouded or unclear ethical policy. There is a fine line when it comes to ethical fundraising. This session will help clarify ethical standards and situations through facilitation from an experienced instructor and in-depth discussion with your peers. Review common ethical standards, how to identify and apply them, and what to do in ethical dilemmas so you and your organization can continue to openly fundraise and serve for social good.
Speakers
Seven Rules of Self-Esteem for the Professional (Emerging Leaders Session)
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 19
1:30pm - 2:30pm
In this highly informative and interactive workshop, Ken Miller, CFRE, will lead a workshop to answer the simple question of “what are the traits of leaders with high self-esteem?” and more importantly, “how do I manifest those traits in my work, home and everyday life?” We will look at and discuss the practices of living consciously, self-acceptance, self responsibility, living purposely, personal integrity and of courage. Come join us as we learn about self-esteem and
Speakers
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.Strategy and Change Management (Emerging Leaders Session) Presented by Blackbaud
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 19
2:30pm - 3:30pm
In today’s ever-changing world, is strategic planning and change management still needed? In this session designed specifically for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders, learn how to be strategic but also be prepared to handle change effectively and not purely reactively. Explore ways to prepare your organization for expected and unexpected changes. Learn to create, communicate, and refine effective change management processes.
Speakers
Telling the Truth: How Authentic Leadership and Ethical Storytelling Lead Us Forward
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon I
October 20
10:45am - 11:45am
Every day, fundraisers speak for our organizations, our staff, and the people we serve. But with this honor comes a great responsibility to represent each group with care. Join us to learn the basics of ethical storytelling, such as strengths-based messaging and informed consent. Plus, we'll discuss how authentic leadership and ethical storytelling work together, because who we are—and who our beneficiaries are—is as vital to our leadership style as how we work.
Speakers
Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) - Director of Development
Kate McNeely (she/her) is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with experience in local, regional, and nationally federated nonprofit organizations in the arts, health care, and human services. Kate serves as the President of AFP, Greater Atlanta Chapter and Director of Development at Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network, an Atlanta-based nonprofit providing free immigration legal services to survivors of crime and persecution. Kate believes in an ethical fundraising model that values impact over influence, and is driven by equity and authenticity. She also believes in giving back, and is a mentor, volunteer, donor, occasional creative, and reluctant amateur graphic designer.Self-Care for Those Who Lead: Healing for Leaders And Setting The Corporate Culture for Intentional Self-Care
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon J
October 20
10:45am - 11:45am
Leaders often put themselves last, and this can lead to burnout and fatigue. To operate at their peak, leaders must take care of themselves. By healing themselves, they can be change agents at work and spread the culture of self-care and mental well-being.
Speakers
Who Do You Want to Be As A Leader?
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon K
October 20
10:45am - 11:45am
As a leader how might you continue to succeed and produce results in volatile and uncertain times? How might you remain steady in your leadership despite the complexity and ambiguity? It begins with making a simple decision – who do you want to be as a leader? In this session, we explore your purpose and your leadership strengths. Together we will reveal how to not only survive, but learn and thrive.
Speakers
Spider-man Can Walk on Walls, Can You?
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 20
10:45am - 11:45am
Caught in a Web of Disfunction? Problems with co-workers in Finance? Or Marketing? Or Service Delivery? Let’s hone your Spidey Sense to Lead, not only Up and Down, but Sideways as well! In this interactive session, we will survey where problems originate, investigate what management and communication research says, and help you discover practical solutions that will build your Super Hero skills to get the collaboration and support you need from siloed colleagues. This s
Speakers
Bartolini Philanthropic - Principal
Bill Bartolini, Ph.D., ACFRE, is a well-known mentor, coach, counselor, AFP Master Fundraising Teacher and AFP Distinguished Fellow. He served on his local and Global AFP board, and AFP Foundation. After 40 years in the profession, Bill retired from Ohio State where he solicited gifts of $5M+. He has worked at George Washington University, Northeastern (where he was VP for Development), Kent 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?”
GivingThree - Chief Executive and Principal Consultant
Ben Mohler is the chief executive and principal consultant of GivingThree. Prior to this he served in key advancement roles for Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Eastern Kentucky University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cedarville University, and University of Texas at Austin. He completed the philanthropy and development graduate program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and has obtained his CFRE and ACFRE. Mohler has served previously as a member of the ACFRE Credentialing Board. He currently serves on the AHP Journal Advisory Council and the boards of both AFP Global and United Way of Kentucky.Women & Nonprofit Leadership Presented by Donor Perfect
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon L
October 20
10:45am - 11:45am
No matter your seat in your organization, you have the opportunity to be a successful leader. But, what if you are being held back by preconceived notions about what a leader may look like or value? It’s time to unpack and reframe this conversation. As nonprofit professionals, how can we create spaces where women, including women of color, are not only seen and heard but advocated for and invested in? In this session, we will
Speakers
DonorPerfect - President
Lauren Sheehan is President of SofterWare and has been with the company since 2008. Her and her teams have helped thousands of nonprofits achieve their goals and improve the efficiency of their operations through better, smarter use of technology. Lauren is active within her community and currently serves as a Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pennypack Farm and Education Center, a nonprofit organization located in Horsham PA that encourages awareness and the creation of sustainable local food systems by offering educational programs and a community supported working farm.Lead Your Nonprofit for Fundraising Success: Strategic Planning Lessons from 1,000 Fundraisers Presented by Bloomerang
Room: Franklin Hall 2
October 20
10:45am - 11:45am
You want to do more good than ever before, which means you’ll need to raise more funds than in years past. But how are you going to do it? In this session, Chad Barger will share techniques and lessons learned from Bloomerang’s Fundraising Climate Report that nonprofit leaders can take back to their organizations to optimize fundraising success.
Speakers
How Compassionate Communication & Leadership Can Prevent Burnout & Amplify Success
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon J
October 20
1:45pm - 2:45pm
As a fundraising professional your passion for the organization's mission likely plays a role in your success, but that doesn't mean you are immune to the stress, pressure, and real world challenges that come with dealing with other people (both in and outside the organization). This presentation will equip you with both mindset and practical strategies to lead and communicate with compassion without burning out. Prepare to be inspired, motivated and hopeful!
Speakers
The Compassion Code Academy - Compassionate Communication & Leadership Coach
As a Keynote Speaker & Trainer, Compassionate Communication & Leadership Coach, International Best Selling Author, and Founder of The Compassion Code Academy™, Laura equips conscious leaders with compassionate communication and coaching skills so they can lead from the heart without losing their authority, efficiency, or effectiveness. She provides in-depth training for individuals & organizations who want to create a culture of compassion and leave a legacy of love for future generations.Get Less Done in More Time - WHAT? Have you been sacrificing effectiveness for efficiency?
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 20
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Understanding the differences between being effective and efficient - how to pause, evaluate and lead with this in better balance - will empower your leadership overall and enhance your DEI results - it's not just about numbers. Join veteran major-giving strategist/leadership coach, Marcy Heim, and first-year CEO, Terrance Hunter, to create your next steps, stop putting out fires, take more time and enhance both quality and productivity.
Speakers
Central Florida Community Arts - Chief Executive Officer
Terrance Hunter (he/him) has spent the past 15 years working in the arts and culture sector in roles primarily centered on community engagement. He serves as the President of AFP's Central Florida chapter and the Chief Executive Officer of Central Florida Community Arts, one of the nation's largest community arts organizations. Terrance holds a bachelor's degree in education, training in nonprofit and volunteer management, and is pursuing a certificate in community and economic development. Outside of his work with AFP, he also serves on the boards of the Hope CommUnity Center and the National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities.
The Artful Asker - CEO and Founder
For over 30 years as a major-giving expert, international consultant, Marcy Heim, CEO, The Artful Asker, has trained and coached Leadership, Boards, and Fundraisers with mindset/method tools for transformational, multi-million, sustained generosity! Her 3-sentence Ask gets a delighted “yes.” She raised major gifts at UW-Madison for 2 decades through a $1.8B campaign before creating major giving success with her clients - shops of all sizes and types. An AFP Master Trainer, CASE Crystal Apple recipient, and author, Marcy includes original fundraising songs in her presentation and renews your zest for fundraising and life.From IDEA to ABIDE: How to Lead and Live through Courageous Conversations
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon L
October 20
1:45pm - 2:45pm
James Baldwin once said, “Not everything we face can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” In this interactive session, participants will be engaged around how to have courageous conversations that build trust, set the foundation for change, and lead to the adoption of Access, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity as values to uphold in work and in life.
Speakers
Spoken IV Solutions
Olutosin “Olu” Burrell, MSOD, PCC, is an Executive/Leadership Coach, People Strategy, and A.B.I.D.E8. Consultant. His 20+ years of experience includes working with individuals and teams in local and federal government, the not-for-profit and private sectors (including the Fortune 1000 and Global 500), as well as in K-12 and higher education. Olu believes that learning occurs best via the vehicle of story and his expertise is in guiding clients through a process of composing those stories towards the deliberate crafting of their legend.Strategic Planning Essentials
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon I
October 20
1:45pm - 2:45pm
This dynamic session will provide thoughtful and clear guidance for development professionals who are pulled in multiple directions, which has only been exasperated since the pandemic. Using the principals of strategic visioning, we will give participants tools to improve their planning and support their teams. We will overview Peter Drucker’s “Five Questions” as a foundation for planning and will emphasize the importance of beginning with a clear and compelling organizational mission, vision, and values statements.
Speakers
Mollard Consulting - Founder & CEO
Kerri is a respected authority on nonprofit board governance, planning, and fundraising. She has served thousands of nonprofit leaders since founding the company in 2003. Prior to consulting, she worked in positions as varied as box office manager, development director, and executive director. She is a long-time AFP member and is a sought-after speaker. Kerri is a member of an invitation-only group of consultants with BoardSource. She has an MA from Indiana University, BA from Ohio State University, and Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource. In 2022, Kerri was sworn into elected office as Plain Township Trustee.Using Change Management Principles to Successfully Plan, Evaluate, and Transition to a New CRM Software Presented by Donor View
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon K
October 20
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Using a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) software can make a big impact on your organization’s performance. But with so many options, costs, and internal challenges, the change can seem daunting. The principles of Change Management can help make the process flow more smoothly and lead to successful outcomes.
Speakers
DonorView - Customer Success Instructor
Kimberly Perron is a Customer Success Instructor providing training and course development for DonorView software. She brings a unique set of skills to every project, building on her Mechanical Engineering and MBA degrees. She has held management positions with a variety of non-profits supporting environmental, arts, and social service causes. She chose her current position because it incorporates her love of teaching and strategic planning, while allowing her to help many non-profit organizations be successful.Jump In! Leading a New Advancement Team from Shore, through Storms, and Out to Sea
Room: Franklin Hall 2
October 20
1:45pm - 2:45pm
National Geographic is globally renowned -- but prior to 2020, when Lisa Herzog joined as Deputy to the Chief Advancement Officer, little was known about the philanthropic arm. Today, the Advancement Team grew from 35 to 65 team members, $1M+ donors tripled, and annual fundraising grew by over 300%. Join an interactive Q&A to learn how Lisa built and navigated her team’s “boat” through effective team-building, collaboration, and coordination to reach unprecedented outcomes.
Speakers
National Geographic Society - Deputy to the Chief Advancement Officer & Campaign Director
Lisa is a passionate fundraiser with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In her role as Campaign Director & Deputy to the Chief Advancement Officer, Lisa serves as a strategic thought-partner to the CAO on all aspects of fundraising efforts and strategy. As the Advancement team leads a major multi-year comprehensive campaign, Lisa supports and drives success for the campaign and also oversees the Major and Principals Gifts, Planned Giving and Campaign teams.
CCS Fundraising - Senior Vice President
With nearly 20 years of experience in the U.S. and Europe, Lara has worked with a range of clients – from those raising billions to those building a culture of philanthropy – across every nonprofit sector. After spending almost 10 years serving clients in Paris, Dublin, and Geneva, Lara is adept at applying fundraising fundamentals across cultures. In 2015, Lara moved to the New York City area and now serves clients with local, national, and international reach. Lara is a dual US and French citizen conversant in French, Spanish, and Arabic. She is President-Elect of the AFP New Jersey Chapter Board.Becoming Catalysts for Change: Increasing IDEA skills for Fundraisers
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Change is the only constant in the nonprofit sector and something crucial to consider as we advance racial justice and social equity. As fundraisers, we must strengthen our change management skills to see the change we want to see in ourselves, our organizations, and our communities. Join this workshop with two young professional fundraisers who have made change happen and continue to push for equity in all aspects of their lives.
Speakers
Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School - Chief of Staff
Chrissey never planned to become a fundraiser. Thrown headfirst into donor solicitation, she found a talent for donor engagement and a love of writing. Chrissey immediately dove deeper into learning more about fundraising and development and hasn’t looked back since. To date, she has raised over $17 million for causes nationwide. As a consultant and fundraising professional, she has grant and development programs for one of the largest youth development nonprofits in Texas, built and expanded individual giving programs in Texas, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and has led nonprofit leadership teams across the nation through fundraising growth and strategic challenges.
Equity Warrior Strategies LLC - Founder & Chief Strategist
Jonathan Meagher-Zayas is a Queer Latinx Millennial nonprofit strategist dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, engaging the community, motivating new impact leaders, and getting stuff done. Jonathan wears many professional hats, including Fundraising and Communications Strategist, Adjunct Social Work Professor, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Leadership Development Trainer, Social Sector Career Coach, and Equity Champion. His company, Equity Warior Strategies LLC, provides leadership development, community engagement, and equity strategy services to individuals, groups, and organizations in the nonprofit sector looking to fight for change, tackle oppression, and advance equity.Active Listeners Make Better Leaders...and Managers
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon K
October 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Do you want to be a stronger leader? What about a more effective manager? How about both? Attend this session with Martha H. Schumacher, CFRE, ACFRE, MInstF to learn how to improve your active listening skills - with your constituents, colleagues, staff, donors, board members, and more! Takeaways include essential discovery questions and an exploration of the seven key active listening elements.
Speakers
Hazen and HILT - President
Martha H. Schumacher, CFRE, ACFRE, MInstF is a philanthropy ambassador, educator, coach, mentor, author and champion. She is an AFP Global past chair. Martha led the Defenders of Wildlife fundraising team for nine years, first as Director of Major Gifts and then as Vice President for Development. Her current and recent clients include Emory University, Best Buddies International, American University, the Library of Congress, and National Geographic Society. Martha resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband Casey and their sweet yet energetic rescue dogs Gage and Josie.Creating Powerful Employee Engagement Journeys: How to Build and Retain Your Best Team
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon I
October 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
It has never been more important to build an inclusive culture and retain top-notch staff. Based on the private sector’s Customer Experience Map, an Employee Engagement Journey validates what is working, helps identify new opportunities, and genuinely builds a strong organizational culture where everyone’s contributions are valued. Beyond just the development office, this process engages all departments to help them “see” their role in fulfilling the organization’s mission.
Speakers
The Monument Group, Inc. - Managing Partner
Alan Hutson is the managing partner of The Monument Group, where he works with small-to-mid-sized US-based nonprofits. He is also a senior partner at =mc consulting, where he serves on the Decision Science team. This unique partnership allows Alan import cutting-edge, global intellectual property to the domestic market to help nonprofits build genuine cultures of philanthropy and make better decisions. He is a past board member of both AFP Global and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.Forgiveness and Empathy in the Nonprofit Sector
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon L
October 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Workplace conflict is an unavoidable element of employment. Studies have shown that transgressions within a team can decrease productivity and increase employee stress, job dissatisfaction, and staff turnover. This session will discuss the use of forgiveness, a multifaceted action which has been praised in both major religions and secular cultures worldwide, as a useful tool in mitigating and mediating conflict. Several strategies to build an organizational culture based on empathy and forgiveness will be reviewed.
Speakers
Logan University - Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Theresa L. Fleck, MA, CFRE, CAE currently serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Logan University, overseeing the development, marketing and communications, alumni relations, university events, and continuing education departments. A fund development professional since 2001, Ms. Fleck has extensive experience developing and executing fundraising, marketing and communications strategy for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including; universities, independent schools, social service agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the arts. Ms. Fleck currently serves as the president of AFP St. Louis. She is presently working on her doctorate degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University.Inclusive Leadership: How to Create Belonging in Your Organization
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon J
October 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
No matter what role we occupy, we all have a stake in creating organizational culture. This training will provide a framework and tools for participants to build a practice of inclusive leadership that encourages the contributions of all stakeholders in the organization and community. The sense of belonging is a collective exploration and it’s important to have a structure that invites ALL voices to be heard, contribute, and be responsible for the outcome.
Speakers
Alford Group - Chief Culture Officer
Anh has worked extensively in advancing racial dialogues and practices of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. She has encountered an expressed deep need from every level of the organizations she has partnered with for safety and belonging, where agreed sets of behaviors enable employees to work effectively in cross-cultural and multi-cultural environments.Telling your nonprofit's financial story
Room: Franklin Hall 2
October 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Every nonprofit has a story, and behind that story are numbers. Nonprofit leaders must understand how resources turn into impact and clearly communicate that financial story. Through compelling financial storytelling, nonprofit leaders inspire a culture that empowers their teams to make strategic financial decisions aligned with their DEI values and goals. Financial storytellers break the nonprofit starvation cycle by effectively communicating the true cost of their work.
Speakers
360Philanthropy & Nonprofit Financial Leadership Academy - Philanthropy Coach
Anthony Petchel (He/Him) is the principal of 360Philanthropy and co-founder of the Nonprofit Financial Leadership Academy (https://www.npfla.com/). Anthony brings over 25 years of leadership experience in finance, fundraising, and communications strategies. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Anthony spent over 16 years in commercial banking and finance. Anthony holds an MBA and degrees in Psychology and Sociology and has over 20 years of nonprofit board service.
STEINKOPF STRATEGIES - Grant Strategist
Deborah brings over 30+ years of nonprofit executive leadership working for social change. She helped nonprofits increase organizational effectiveness and mission impact, in both salaried and consulting capacities. She has a Master’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Public Policy from SUNY Albany. You can learn more about her practice at https://www.steinkopfstrategies.com/Restoring the Lost Art of Empathy: The Key to Ethical and IDEA Cultures
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon L
October 21
9:00am - 10:00am
Choose your own adventure in this interactive session! Learn to apply practical tactics to strengthen your ability to connect and maximize yourself, your team, and your mission. Forbes, CEOWorld, and countless others have cited empathy as the #1 leadership skill required to lead an organization and cultivate an ethical and inclusive culture. Whether it is mental health or other stressers at play, the insight and skills learned here will breed inclusiveness, innovation, retention, and joy.
Speakers
American Legacy Theatre - Executive Artistic Director & CEO
Matthew David Gellin, CFRE, is Executive Artistic Director & CEO of American Legacy Theatre. He has successfully acted, directed, and produced across the country, in Europe, and in Asia. Matthew is proud to have served as a USA representative at the UNESCO International Theatre Institute Research Lab in Romania, USA delegate to the People's Republic of China for Foreign Business Affairs, named as a Promising Artist of the 21st Century by the International Arts and Cultural Exchange, and has published papers in peer-reviewed journals. He seeks to create a more equitable tomorrow through accessible theatre.Let's Get Fired Up!: Planning an Annual or Strategic Planning Retreat Your Teams Will Love
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon K
October 21
9:00am - 10:00am
If your'e looking for creative ways to get your team energized, this session is for you! Let's Get Fired Up! is an interactive session that introduces participants to the keys for building and implementing a successful annual or strategic planning retreat that leaves teams feeling motivated and inspired to achieve goals for the road ahead. This session provides attendees with a practical toolkit for planning and implementing a retreat that sets the stage for success!
Speakers
University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation - Vice President, Advancement
Kimberly Conway Dumpson, JD, CFRE, currently serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In that role, she oversees the university’s central development functions (annual giving, corporate relations, foundation relations, gift planning, and donor relations) in support of the university’s $600M capital campaign. A lawyer and certified fundraising executive, she has more than 20 years of progressive leadership in higher education and non-profit leadership. She is an effective communicator with an authentic and approachable leadership style. She is a passionate advocate devoted to issues of educational access and affordability, particularly for those from diverse backgrounds.Creating a Culture of Innovation: Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Your Organization
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 21
9:00am - 10:00am
Join us for an interactive breakout session on "Creating a Culture of Innovation: Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Your Organization." Led by experienced facilitators, this session will provide actionable strategies for fostering a culture of innovation that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in your team, and overcoming barriers to innovation. You'll gain practical insights and strategies that you can apply immediately to your own organization. Don't miss this opportunity to innovate!
Speakers
Distinct Consulting - Chief Consultant
Ronika Moody is an accomplished entrepreneur, consultant, and non-profit professional with over a decade of experience in the finance industry, including a strong focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She is a tireless advocate for creating more inclusive workplaces and has developed expertise in designing and implementing DEI programs that drive meaningful change. Her leadership has been instrumental in helping companies and organizations build more diverse teams and foster cultures of belonging. Her deep understanding of finance and DEI makes her a sought-after consultant for businesses looking to enhance their diversity efforts and create more equitable environments
Justine PETERSEN - Small Business Associate
Yolanda, is a dynamic individual with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, dedicated to serving and uplifting the black community. She has worked tirelessly to build partnerships and develop innovative programs that address critical social issues affecting marginalized communities. In addition to her nonprofit work, Yolanda is also a successful entrepreneur, leveraging her skills and expertise to launch and grow several businesses that serve and empower women. Yolanda's passion for social justice and her entrepreneurial spirit have made her a powerful force for change, and she continues to inspire and uplift those around her.The Participation Effect: Three steps to increasing employee participation
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon I
October 21
9:00am - 10:00am
Education and opportunity is abundant, the desire to learn is what's scarce. We don’t need to constantly create new programming as much as we need to build the desire to want to participate in life and your programming. This session will help you to get more people involved and engaged by teaching them how to overcome “possibility blindness”, a blindness to all the opportunities around us based on our inability to see them as opportunities.
Speakers
Mark Fisher Focus - CEO
Mark Fisher is an author, entrepreneur, and community organizer. Though Mark started out life going down the wrong path as a drug-dealing youth, he turned his life around and is dedicated to helping others realize no matter where they are they can turn their lives around too. As the Senior Director of Rhode Island Black Lives Matter, Mark is dedicated to developing initiatives to create equality and inclusion. This included creating the first-ever African-American Library in New England. Mark’s work has gained the attention of numerous media outlets including the Boston Globe, ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates.Reflections in the Mirror - Followers thoughts on Leaders, and what we can learn from them
Room: Liberty Ballroom
October 21
9:00am - 10:00am
Feedback is a gift, so join Mark for a fun and engaging session looking at what followers said, both good and bad, about their leaders and managers. After some reflections and sharing with the group, you’ll learn how you can take this feedback and craft a more inclusive, supportive, and winning leadership style.
Speakers
Magee Rehab Hospital Foundation - Assistant Vice President of Development
Mark Chilutti has raised over $45 million to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities during his 22+ year career at Magee Rehab Hospital in Philadelphia. He is a distinguished presenter and speaker for AFP Chapters, AFP ICON and on AFP Global Webinars who enjoys engaging others. Mark became an Eagle Scout when he was just 14 years old, and is currently serving as Chairman of the Board for his local Scout council. He is a former wheelchair tennis player and lives with a spinal cord injury after one-single bullet changed his life forever in 1996.Igniting Nonprofit Efficiency through the Power of the EOS Traction Model Presented by One Cause
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon J
October 21
9:00am - 10:00am
Nonprofit leaders must navigate complex organizational challenges while striving for operational excellence. Enter the EOS Traction Model as a powerful tool to create high-performing teams and organizational alignment. This model can serve as a catalyst for transformational change within organizations – and it can be leveraged by nonprofits of any shape and size.
Speakers
OneCause - VP of National Accounts
Emily Newberry is sales and strategy leader in the nonprofit SaaS world. She’s passionate about technology and the impact it has on people, organizations and communities. At OneCause, Emily works directly with national nonprofit organizations and their leaders to understand challenges and opportunities and collaborate on ways to engage donors and use technology to meet fundraising and stewardship goals. She works cross functionally with internal leaders in marketing, product, and operations to ensure we build process and product for today and tomorrow’s opportunities.Make it Rain for You! Salary Negotiation Tactics
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon L
October 21
10:15am - 11:15am
You’re making it rain for your nonprofit–smashing fundraising goals left and right, but your salary is stunted. How do you climb the next rung in the career ladder and secure a raise? And, how do you ask for a higher salary with confidence? Learn concrete strategies for salary negotiation and career growth to bring home tens of thousands of dollars more in your annual salary. Let’s make it rain for YOU!
Speakers
Pacific Northwest Research Institute - Chief Advancement Officer
Shannon Bowen is nonprofit leader, fundraiser, executive coach, and management trainer. She’s the Chief Advancement Officer for Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Founder and CEO of Monsoon Leadership training and coaching, and a board member for AFP Advancement Northwest in Seattle. Building upon her 17 years of development and communications experience, she’s held several nonprofit leadership positions and built strong teams that retain. Shannon is dedicated to creating healthy workplaces: one manager at a time.How to spark innovation and energize your nonprofit team: design thinking tools
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon J
October 21
10:15am - 11:15am
Industrial designers and movie companies like Pixar have long sung the praises of design thinking: a process for solving problems and discovery. When translated for a nonprofit setting, it works wonders for drawing out team members’ best thinking. We will explore how these tools have sparked innovation, from civil rights movements to nonprofits like Rhinos Without Borders. In this interactive session, we won’t shy away from what gets in the way of innovation.
Speakers
Mercatus Center at George Mason University - Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation
As senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Leah Kral draws out the best creative thinking of teams, leading to better outcomes and more compelling stories for supporters. She is the author of Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results (Wiley, 2022). She holds a Master of Arts in public policy from Duquesne University and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica 2002-2004).Building Community through Inclusive Communications
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 21
10:15am - 11:15am
Join co-hosts of the Beyond Philanthropy podcast Monique Curry-Mims and Valerie Johnson to learn how to build community through inclusive communications. It’s more important than ever to utilize communication strategies that support diversity and equity and incorporate ethical storytelling principles. Learn how you can build community, both internally and externally, through these key strategies. This interactive session will include discussion and hands-on application opportunities so that you can immediately put the principles into practice.
Speakers
Pathways to Housing PA - Vice President of Advancement and Special Projects
Valerie Johnson joined Pathways to Housing PA in 2018, and was promoted to VP of Advancement and Special Projects in 2021. Prior to that, she fundraised for Council for Relationships, Valley Youth House, and the American Association for Cancer Research. Valerie holds a Bachelor's degree and an MBA from Drexel University. A member of AFP since 2012, she serves on GPC's Board of Directors and chairs the Education and Professional Development committee. Valerie has been a featured speaker for the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, NTEN, AFP GPC, and AFP Brandywine, contributes to Generocity, and co-hosts the Beyond Philanthropy podcast.
Civic Capital Consulting - Founder and Principal
Principal of Civic Capital Consulting, Monique Curry-Mims oversees all business development and client implementation. She? has over 15 years of development and leadership experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit. sectors providing development, marketing, and strategic planning professional with experience in graphic design, branding and public relations. As a Penn State MBA graduate who holds a BS in Digital Design from Philadelphia University and a MSEd from Walden University, Monique has an ?innovative approach to developing education and nonprofit organizations.Essential Financial Management Tools
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon I
October 21
10:15am - 11:15am
Budgets. Financial statements. Ack! Are you secretly (or openly) afraid of these documents? Whether you want to improve your financial literacy for your organization or AFP chapter, this session will equip you with the basics you need to ensure appropriate financial oversight and understand what all those numbers are about.
Speakers
Can understanding public policy and advocacy make you a better fundraiser? Yes it can!
Room: Liberty Ballroom
October 21
10:15am - 11:15am
What is advocacy and why should I care? Learn why your donors are concerned about looming policy changes and what you can legally do to engage and grow giving incentives. This session, led by AFP public policy volunteer leaders and AFP’s contract lobbyist, will provide practical information and skills you can take back to your organization.
Speakers
Public Justice Center - Director of Development
Kathleen is Director of Development for the Public Justice Center - a non-profit law firm using systemic legal advocacy to change policies and practices that perpetuate economic injustice and racial inequity in Maryland and around the country. A fundraiser for 20+ years, Kathleen earned her Masters’ in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University. She is currently the Chair of the AFP Political Action Committee and a member of two AFP Global committees: U.S. Government Relations and Finance. She also volunteers as a Tax Preparer for the CASH Campaign of Maryland and is an avid indoor climber, runner, hiker, and reader.
Uncorked Advocates - Principal Consultant
Bringing nearly 25 years of experience, Sally Schaeffer is founder and owner of Uncorked Advocates, a bipartisan federal government relations firm started in 2017. Among her current clients are some of the largest nonprofits and philanthropic associations in the country, including Association of Fundraising Professionals, American Heart Association, YWCA USA, Covenant House International, United Philanthropy Forum, and Prevent Child Abuse America. On behalf of American Heart Association, she helped to coordinate a national coalition of 60 nonprofits in support of the Legacy IRA Act, which passed into law in December 2022.
YMCA OF THE NORTH - Chief Advancement Officer/EVP of Development
Michelle is the Executive Vice President of Mission Advancement for the YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Previously, Edgerton held leadership positions at United States of Care, Northside Achievement Zone, and The Family Partnership. In 2019, she founded The Edgerton Group, an innovative, strategic fundraising and organizational development consulting firm. She serves as the Immediate Past President of the board of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – Minnesota Chapter and is the Vice President of External Affairs on the Global Board of Directors for AFP.
Fablanthropy - Founder & Chief Fablanthropist
With more than 21 years’ experience in philanthropy, Lisa works with nonprofit organizations and professionals on gift planning strategy through her firm, Fablanthropy. An AFP Master Trainer, Lisa presented at four AFP International Conferences, and teaches adjunct at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and in Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. She chairs AFP Global’s U.S. Government Relations committee and is a board member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.Building a Sustainable Fundraising Plan: A Research-backed Guide to Healthy Fundraising Presented by Qgiv
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon K
October 21
10:15am - 11:15am
Amid rising costs, the Great Resignation, and declining donor numbers, nonprofit leaders find themselves in a pivotal place, tasked with not only navigating these challenges but also inspiring and guiding their teams! Join this session to dive into Qgiv’s Sustainable Giving Report and learn how you can cultivate employee well-being, ultimately resulting in increased staff retention, fortified donor relationships, and more sustainable revenue.
Speakers
Qgiv - Public Relations and Communications Manager
Melaina’s experience working on successful fundraising teams and political campaigns gives her a unique outlook on how to approach diverse audiences. Before joining Qgiv, she served as the Director of Annual Giving for Florida Southern College, leading several successful giving days including the College’s most successful giving day on record. Now as Qgiv’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Melaina stays busy collaborating on multi-channel marketing campaigns and developing content for the company’s nonprofit audience.Let’s explore the CDO to CEO transition.
Room: Franklin Hall 1
October 21
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Join this dynamic group of women for a dialogue about the transition from CDO to CEO. Michelle Flores Vryn will kick off the session with a presentation on the current leadership transition research, and then moderate a discussion and Q&A with Birgit Smith Burton and Adrienne Longenecker about the skills which make development professionals uniquely qualified to serve as CEOs and specific ideas for advancing on your own path to CEO.
Speakers
OneStar Foundation - CDO
Michelle F. Vryn, CFRE, is the Chief Development Officer on the OneStar team. She is an active member of the social impact community and is driven to create thoughtful, yet attainable, strategy to increase nonprofit success. Michelle is passionate about mentoring Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) nonprofit professionals and creating better workplace cultures where they can thrive. She also serves on the board of Mission Capital and is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global. When not working, Michelle enjoys watching fashion videos and tutorials, meditating, and spontaneously dropping in on live music around Austin.
Colorado River Alliance - Executive Director
Adrienne Longenecker, CFRE, has led an impressive career as a creative problem solver, visionary executive, and meaningful relationship steward in the nonprofit and for-profit fields, in addition to her time as a professional dancer. 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. Adrienne attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. One of her greatest joys is finding stillness of mind through body awareness and movement.Leading For Real
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon K
October 21
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Leadership is more challenging now than ever. Leaders must do more with less while balancing sometimes competing demands from varied constituent groups as they strive to retain, support, and develop their teams. Authentic leadership can help address these challenges and lead to more satisfied employees and effective teams. This session will explore authentic leadership and help participants develop their own leadership style to maximize their strengths and meet the needs of their team.
Speakers
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network - Associate Vice President, Development
Gloria Pugliese has over 23 years of fundraising experience. She has raised funds for healthcare, higher education, human services, and arts & culture. As a consultant, she has lead capital campaigns, special events, and development planning. She is currently Associate Vice President, Development with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. She holds a bachelor's degree from Susquehanna University, a Master’s degree from Lehigh University, and an MBA from La Salle University.Strengthening Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Post-Pandemic Era
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon I
October 21
12:45pm - 1:45pm
This workshop will highlight the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in a "post pandemic" era, and 3+ years after the "social/racial reckoning" of the Summer of 2020. We will explore the intersection of technology, social-political climates, and the well-being of individuals and communities with DEI, as well as what the possible future of DEI.
Speakers
Leading for Maximum Impact with a Theory of Change
Room: Liberty Ballroom
October 21
12:45pm - 1:45pm
The most effective organizations manage and measure their impact. But where to begin? A theory of change model helps to break down how an intervention ultimately leads to a desired impact. Getting clear on your theory of change will help you lead brand change, connect and communicate with like-minded funders, and design powerful donor opportunities that intentionally maximize impact. See how the Trans Canada Trail led a brand transformation with a clear impact strategy.
Speakers
Trans Canada Trail - Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Meghan Reddick is VP, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at Trans Canada Trail. With deep experience in non-profit management and brand strategy, Meghan has helped transform some of Canada’s most respected national non-profits, including Habitat for Humanity Canada, YMCA Canada, and Kids Help Phone. She has been recognized with several marketing awards, is a public speaker, and has been interviewed as a thought leader, including for an international best-selling book focused on strategic, mission-centred collaborative brand management for non-profits. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and serves on the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation
Ramp Communications Inc. - Founder and President
Shelley Mayer, CM is founder & president of Ramp Communications, a certified B Corporation and award-winning branding agency and social impact consultancy. Shelley has expertise in every facet of social impact strategy, branding & communications, and has worked with more than 80 non-profits & social enterprises. Shelley holds a BBA degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Marketer (CM) with the Canadian Marketing Association, where she served for three years as a sector expert for the CMA NFP Council.Turning Data into Dollars: How to Measure Your Donor Retention & Acquisition Efforts Presented by Bonterra
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon L
October 21
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Donor acquisition and retention is essential. But with outdated donor models, declines in giving, and millions of datapoints, how do you evaluate your donor program? Alyssa Esker, Director of Commercial Strategy & Execution at Bonterra will show you how to build a scaleable measurement framework for your program. Presented by Bonterra
Speakers
Bonterra - Director, Commercial Strategy & Execution
Alyssa Esker is a data and analytics expert with 13+ years of experience in analyzing market data and measuring impact of commercial strategy programs. As the Director of Commercial Strategy & Execution at Bonterra, her team drives data-driven decision-making processes to support the organization’s mission to help the social good ecosystem increase from 2% of GDP to 3% by ’33. Alyssa specializes in translating thousands of data points into actionable insights and simplifying the complex.CANCELLED - Creating an Inclusive Culture and Building a Values-Aligned Team
Room: Grand Ballroom Salon J
October 21
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Culture...values...alignment. As nonprofit leaders, we say these words frequently and aspirationally, but what does it truly look like in practice? Join Sharonne Navas and Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier as they discuss their diverse experiences in the Pacific Northwest and South as Latinas advocating for equitable organizations, including how they tackled difficult conversations and created pathways for inclusive cultures. Participants will tackle issues in real-time and leave with a framework for how to do the same.
Speakers
Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier
Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership - Executive Director
Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier has over twelve years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has worked with 75+ organizations and raised approximately $5 million. She currently serves as Executive Director of Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership and CEO of AQP Consulting. She was the youngest recipient of AFP's Outstanding Young Professional in 2018 and is a graduate of AFP's WII Leadership Development Program. She currently chairs AFP’s Emerging Leaders Mentor program.