education sessions
Applied
Use the Form 990 to Tell Your Story
Room: Majestic C
October 16
2:30pm - 3:30pm
If you think the public is not reading your organization’s Form 990, think again! More donors than ever before are using Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax) to inform their donation decision. Yes, CPAs prepare Form 990 because of the financial reporting requirements, but as a fundraising and program professional, are you ensuring the narrative sections communicate key “mission moments,” compelling people to give? If not, then this session is for you!
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services - Executive Director, Senior Philanthropic Specialist
Debra Faulk, CAP®, is a performance-driven philanthropic leader with 25+ years of demonstrated success in delivering excellent results for nonprofit organizations and corporate and family foundations. As a Senior Philanthropic Specialist at Wells Fargo, Debra works with individuals, families, and nonprofit clients and their trusted advisors to help clients maximize the impact of their philanthropy, including establishing and managing private foundations, charitable trusts, and other strategies to achieve charitable objectives as part of an overall wealth or institutional plan. A sought-after speaker, Debra recently presented at AFP ICON 2024, a global conference of fundraising professionals.Revolutionizing Nonprofit Problem-Solving: Think Like an Artist
Room: Majestic H
October 16
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Join us for a dynamic presentation on "Revolutionizing Nonprofit Problem-Solving: Think Like an Artist." Discover how creativity, adaptability, and empathy can transform your approach to solving problems in your nonprofit. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, unlock innovative strategies to address challenges, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable change. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session offers a fresh perspective to elevate your impact and get into your creative brain.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Boston Impact Initiative - Development Director
Ellie is a dedicated and experienced professional with a diverse background in the nonprofit, fine art, fundraising, and education sectors. She has an B.F.A and an M.F.A, both in photography and taught photography and fine-art in her first 17-year career. Ellie is the Development Director at Boston Impact Initiative (BII) to close the racial wealth gap in New England for entrepreneurs of color. Ellie is passionate about driving equity and inclusion in her work. She served in leadership roles at Women’s Fund of RI as Development Director and DESIGNxRI as Executive Director and as Founder of POPsicle Consulting.AFP’s New Code of Ethics ... What Can It Do For Me?
Room: Majestic G
October 16
3:45pm - 4:45pm
The AFP Code of Ethics is a living document. It provides the philosophy and a baseline that undergirds the rationale for fundraising ethics and sets the stage for understanding each section and standard in the code. Participants will review and explore the new code structure as well as the supporting resources that have been developed and are available for individuals and chapters to use in developing a deeper understanding of how to use the code in personal and organizational practice. Participants will apply the code with interactive cases and group activities.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Andrea McManus, AFP Certified Facilitator
The Development Group - Consultant
Nonprofit specialist with a passion for building the capacity of nonprofit organizations and to grow robust, innovative philanthropic relationships with supporters. Committed to the development of the fundraising profession and mentoring younger professionals.Roberta Healey, ACFRE, MBA, AFP Certified Facilitator
Aurora Philanthropic Consulting - Founding Member
Robbe Healey, FAFP, brings more than four decades of diverse experience, insight, and success to philanthropic fundraising consulting, strategic planning, board governance and non-profit organization management. Highly regarded and sought after, she has worked with more than150 organizations. A past member and Chair of the AFP Global Board, member and past chair of the AFP Ethics Committee, she Co-Chaired the AFP Code of Ethic Review Task Force with Andrea McManus and is Chair of the Interpretative Guidelines Work Group. Committed to community service, she is a Rotarian, and volunteer with three community organizations.Leaving Burnout, Unlocking Capacity, & Finding Joy in Nonprofit Leadership: An Insightful & Supportive Discussion
Room: Gateway A/B
October 16
3:45pm - 4:45pm
An honest and engaging conversation between a seasoned development professional and Leadership Coach about the road to recovery from burnout to joyful continuation in philanthropy. According to a National Survey 74% of nonprofit employees are looking for new jobs, 65% are unsure if they will stay within the social sector. You or a teammate might also be dreaming of running away to the woods to escape burnout. Learn from this personal case study how to build awareness of common beliefs and learned behaviors, and developed new internal narratives and leadership practices that created profound alignment and a sustainable path forward.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Leadership Atlas - Founder
Sonya Perez is a Certified Leadership Coach, change expert and the creator of Leadership Atlas - a holistic approach to leadership development that integrates the mental, emotional, and embodied aspects of leading. Sonya has worked with leaders leaders from social enterprises and nonprofit organizations for nearly 20 years. She studied with world renowned psychiatrist, author and educator Dr Dan Siegel and earned her Masters of Science in Learning & Organizational Change from Northwestern University. Her practice leverages neuroscience, psychology, somatics, cultural narratives and many insights gained from personal breakthroughs to help others lead and live with more joy and ease
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center - Director of Donor Engagement and Stewardship
Meghan Metzger (she/her) has over 15 years of fundraising experience working for a wide range of organizations including arts, culture, education, sustainability, and healthcare. Meghan received her BA in French from Bates College and her MS in Arts Administration with a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Boston University, and has held roles in major gifts, annual giving, corporate giving, grant writing, special events, and donor relations. Meghan is currently the Director of Donor Engagement and Stewardship at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center.Dropping the 9 to 5: Transitioning to Consulting
Room: Gateway A/B
October 17
9:00am - 10:00am
Is the gig economy calling your name? Are you dreaming about leaving your full-time fundraising job and setting off on your own as a consultant/freelancer/contractor? In this session, panelists will share stories of their transition into consulting and offer insights from the other side. Together, we'll explore various routes to self-employment (from folks who planned every last detail to ensure a seamless transition to those who balanced a full-time job with a side hustle), ways to focus your consulting offerings, and the pros and cons of being your own boss.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Tufano Consulting, LLC - Principal
Laura McCarty Tufano, CFRE created connections between donors and their passions as a front-line fundraiser for nearly two decades before founding Tufano Consulting, a small, woman- and LGBTQ-owned fundraising consultancy specializing in coaching and training, development planning, and individual giving. Laura has been a one-person-does-it-all development director, an annual giving manager, a major gifts officer, a VP of Advancement, a board member, a volunteer, a mentor, a mentee, and a coach. Today, in addition to the title of consultant, she also holds the titles of mom to three young children and wife to Amanda.
Impact Innovations - CEO
Simone Labony Labbance is a Bengali American fundraiser, activist, and community builder. Her expertise is grounded in her MA in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's University of MN. Currently, Simone works as the CEO and Fractional Fundraiser for Impact Innovations; she is a certified member of the Fractional Fundraiser Network. Simone has fundraised for a number of causes including BIPOC spaces, anti-child sex trafficking, international women's education, health equity, and academic medical research.
Pacific Northwest Research Institute - Chief Advancement Officer
Shannon Bowen is a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, career advancement coach, and a staff retention and salary negotiation expert. Currently, she is the Chief Advancement Officer for Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Co-President-Elect for AFP Advancement Northwest Board of Directors, and CEO of Monsoon Leadership where she coaches development leaders to land their dream job and get paid what they deserve. Determined to stop the tide of staff attrition in development, Shannon advocates for equitable hiring practices and innovative staff retention techniques. She is committed to creating healthy workplaces, one manager at a time.
Itasca Partners LLC - Founder and Principal
Mark Egge helps nonprofits know more so they can raise more. With nearly two decades of fundraising experience, he has driven improvements at all types and sizes of organizations, defining and implementing best practices in prospect research, prospect management, and fundraising analytics. Mark has been deeply involved with Apra throughout his career, presenting at numerous state, regional, and national conferences in addition to serving as a board member and as the international association’s president.Still I Rise: From Glass Ceilings to Glass Cliffs
Room: Majestic F
October 17
9:00am - 10:00am
Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem on overcoming oppression while having no sympathy for the oppressors, “Still I Rise” dissects the “glass cliff” phenomenon experienced by incoming BIPOC executives promoted to leadership roles due to performative DEI initiatives. This workshop unveils the unique challenges experienced by BIPOC nonprofit executives and provides leadership development strategies that identify and nurture emerging leaders of color who embrace equity and authentically reflect the communities they serve.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
The Bridge Over Troubled Water - CEO
Named by the Houston Business Journal as a Top 40 Under 40, Q. Olivia serves as the CEO at The Bridge Over Troubled Waters; an agency whose mission is to prevent and end gender-based violence. She is an international speaker who received her degrees in Criminal Justice & Forensics from the University of Central Missouri. She volunteers her time with young professional organizations and serves on various boards throughout the country. In 2023 she founded Q. Olivia Consulting & Mosaic Mentoring, which supports organizational management, leadership development, BIPOC mentorship, corporate wellness, and nonprofit cultural transformation through a collective healing-centered lens.Using Strengths-Based Leadership to Increase the Productivity of a Multigenerational / Multiracial Team
Room: Gateway A/B
October 17
10:30am - 11:30am
Unlock the power of your team by using a strengths-based approach to managing multigenerational teams. Join our session on “Using Strengths- Based leadership to Increase Productivity of a Multi-General Team.” Discover how to harness the unique talents of each generation, communicate effectively, and foster collaboration. Gain practical strategies for enhancing productivity, resolving conflicts, and boosting team morale. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring manager, the session will equip you with the tools to lead with confidence and drive success in today’s multigenerational workplace.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee - Senior Director, Philanthropy
Alicia Coppley is Senior Director, Philanthropy for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Her professional focus is leading a team of fundraisers that inspire and connect individuals with opportunities to invest and express their passion for the community through philanthropy. In 2016, Alicia became a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Alicia is a member of the AFP Nashville Chapter and serves on the AFP Global Committees for IDEA and Women’s Impact. Her interests include yoga, reading murder mysteries, and hiking. Originally from Florida, she now lives in the greater Nashville area with her husband, son, and their two rescue dogs.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital - Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Southeast
Senior Advisor Principal Gifts and Inclusive Philanthropy, Southeast Region ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Christopher enjoys connecting individuals with causes they are enthusiastic about. He is a seasoned fundraising advisor with over 20 years of experience serving non-profits, including ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Boy Scouts of America (Nashville, TN). Throughout his career, Christopher has served in positions focused on significant gifts (individual, corporate, and foundational), non-profit program oversight (youth service and sports fundraising/marketing), and volunteer and non-profit board development. He also has experience in diverse philanthropy programs and training and coaching fundraising professionals.
Martha O Bryan Center - Chief Development Officer
Derria L. Ford, MBA. Ed. D is the Chief Advancement Officer for Martha O’Bryan Center, an anti-poverty organization. She has over sixteen years of nonprofit experience. Her expertise spans program expansion, grant administration, executive leadership, and fund development. Derria holds a Doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University, where she specialized in Leadership and Professional Practice. Her research emphasized transformational leadership, leader efficacy, and emotional intelligence. She is also a proud graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Business Communications.Fast Failure: Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset for Success and Growth
Room: Majestic A-B
October 17
1:45pm - 2:45pm
In the realm of nonprofit work, where the stakes are high in feeding children and supporting veterans' mental health, funders expect success. But what happens when programs, fundraising efforts, or exhausted staff falter? “Fast Failure” is used by businesses around the world to experiment and grow with minimal consequences. This session delves into its applicability for nonprofits. Is it a viable tool and what are the consequences of failure? Participants will explore these questions and discuss how we can thoughtfully navigate failure in our systems and processes for stronger impact.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Make-A-Wish Iowa - Make-A-Wish Iowa
In 2021 Sara Kurovski became the next President and CEO for Make-A-Wish Iowa. She now leads the team to strengthen their mission statewide. She lead the recovery from past CEO fraud. Since joining the team, they have received the largest donation in the organization’s history $1.965 million from the Gerdin Family. She has been recognized as a Woman of Influence from the Business Record and her story is in Sheryl Sandberg's Lean in for Graduates, for her role as the first female mayor for Pleasant Hill and continues to serve as Mayor today.
EDEN+ Fundraising - President
Eric Heininger, MBA, CFRE, is a seasoned philanthropy professional skilled in data-driven strategies for major gifts and stewardship. As President of EDEN+ Fundraising Consulting in Des Moines, IA, he's an AFP Certified Master Trainer and Founder of the Des Moines Fundraising Institute. With over a decade of experience across diverse nonprofit sectors, including social services, human rights, and education, Eric excels in fundraising for charitable causes. He inspires donors nationwide, ensuring sustained support for nonprofits through compelling narratives and effective engagement strategies.Navigating Leadership Transitions in Nonprofits: Managing People for the First Time
Room: Majestic C
October 17
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Explore the unique challenges of managing people for the first time, addressing the delicate balance between empathy and assertiveness. Gain valuable strategies for effective communication, team building, and fostering an organizational culture embedded in DEIB. Get ready for an exhilarating ride filled with practical insights that will not only inspire but also set you on the path to creating a meaningful and collaborative work environment!
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
NIDC - Director of Community Engagement
Pinky Vincent Shubert, CFRE has a proven track record in leading and scaling nonprofit programs, coaching emerging professionals and seasoned peers, fundraising and marketing collaboratively, and measuring impact. Pinky is the Director of Community Engagement at a New York City-based community organization. In this role, she spearheads strategic growth priorities, including institutional partnerships, major gifts, and digital marketing. She serves on the Board of AFP Global and on the Board of the New York City Chapter. Pinky chairs AFP Global’s Investment Subcommittee and volunteers on the Finance Committee and the Governance Ecosystem Task Force.Livin’ On A Prayer: How The AFP Los Angeles Chapter Turned Opposition Into Opportunity
Room: Majestic A-B
October 17
3:15pm - 4:15pm
You can never be fully prepared to lead an AFP Chapter. You have to experience it. To understand the challenges and opportunities that lay in wake will depend on how you meet the moment. You can roll with the status quo or you can give yourself the permission to rise up and become an advocate for change. In this session you will learn how the Los Angeles Chapter faced one of the toughest years in their 55 year history and through it all learned valuable lessons in authentic leadership that ultimately shifted their culture and their hearts.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
The Coleman-Baxter Agency, LLC - Principal
A fundraising practitioner for 17 years, Lisa has successfully raised millions of dollars for local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations and has led and mentored high performing teams. She is the Principal and Chief Community Builder of The Coleman-Baxter Agency, LLC., Immediate-Past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Los Angeles and has served on the Board of Directors for six years. Lisa held prior roles at MLK Community Health Foundation, After-School All-Stars Los Angeles, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She is a proud Afro-Latina, bibliophile, marathon dancer and Bishop’s mama.
The Philanthropy Coach, LLC - President, The Philanthropy Coach
Hannah is the President of The Philanthropy Coach, a boutique nonprofit management and fundraising consulting firm based out of Los Angeles. Her coaching and consulting acumen is derived from 20+ years of experience as a professional fundraiser, non-profit executive, campaign consultant and board member. Hannah has proudly supported dozens of nonprofit organizations in raising more than $150M and counting, specializing in major expansion campaigns, board recruitment and training, program restructuring initiatives and the creation of strategic development plans. A member of AFP for more than 15 years, Hannah currently serves as Co-President for the Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter.Unity in Distinction: How Dedicated Spaces Empower PoC and White Allies to Lead Together
Room: Majestic C
October 17
3:15pm - 4:15pm
Imagine a space People of Color can call their own. A space fully to themselves to be their full authentic selves. And imagine white allies having their own space to lean on each other while on their racial justice journeys. In this session, Frank Velásquez, Jr. will share the benefits in having distinct spaces to reflect, heal, and begin leading with authenticity and joy. Drawing on personal stories, Frank will shed light on the dominance of white spaces in the nonprofit world. And he'll show you by learning separately, we will transform our communities collectively.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Frank Velásquez Jr., Master of Education
4 Da Hood LLC - 4 Da Hood LLC
A racial and gender equity advocate, Frank Velásquez Jr. leads and collaborates with passion, authenticity and an open mind. He connects to the stories that make each of us who we are and the stories that inextricably connect us to each other. As the founder of 4 Da Hood and creator of the groundbreaking fellowship program, Ascending Leaders in Color, Frank brings local, regional, and national attention to the inequities that communities of color face, so that they too can economically advance and build their generational wealth.Creating a Culture for Compassionate and Ethical Storytelling by Reducing Team Bias and Establishing Norms
Room: Majestic H
October 18
8:45am - 9:45am
Develop a culture of compassionate and ethical storytelling within your team by addressing bias and establishing norms. Discover techniques for fostering empathy and understanding among team members to create narratives that respect diverse perspectives, and client voice. Dive into the principles of ethical storytelling, including consent, framing, and stereotyping. Through interactive exercises and discussions, equip your team with the tools to navigate sensitive topics with empathy and integrity. By the end of this course, cultivate a culture where storytelling serves as a force for positive change
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Martha O Bryan Center - Chief Development Officer
Derria L. Ford, MBA. Ed. D is the Chief Advancement Officer for Martha O’Bryan Center, an anti-poverty organization. She has over sixteen years of nonprofit experience. Her expertise spans program expansion, grant administration, executive leadership, and fund development. Derria holds a Doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University, where she specialized in Leadership and Professional Practice. Her research emphasized transformational leadership, leader efficacy, and emotional intelligence. She is also a proud graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Business Communications.Creating a Fundraising Toolkit for Board Members to ensure success.
Room: Gateway A/B
October 18
8:45am - 9:45am
As a fundraiser have you ever complained about your board members inaction as volunteer fundraisers? What tools do they need to be effective in their role as fundraisers? What tools can you provide to them to assist you in fundraising.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
self.na - Consultant/Trainer
Jack is a graduate of Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and he holds a Master’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego, both degrees are in Psychology. Throughout his career, Jack has served in a variety of fundraising positions in hospital, social service and the arts as executive director, development director, major gift and legacy giving manager, and foundation and corporate relations manager. Jack is an AFP Certified Trainer, and he has taught a variety of fundraising classes at JFK University and at the Fundraising Academy at National University.
Digital Health Strategies - Senior Account Director
Bree is an experienced fundraiser, nonprofit leader, and AFP Certified Trainer. She is currently Senior Director of Fundraising at Digital Health Strategies, a healthcare-focused digital marketing and fundraising agency. Previously she has been a fundraising consultant working with higher education, independent schools and arts and culture institutions preparing for campaigns ranging from $11 million to $6 billion. She teaches nonprofit management at the University of Montana where she earned her Masters of Public Administration with certificates in Public Policy and Nonprofit Administration. Bree also holds a certificate in Inclusive Philanthropy from Florida International University.
Angela is a Managing Director with Carter, an international philanthropic giving consultancy, working with human services, arts and culture and higher education partners in the areas of annual giving, major gifts, and campaign planning. She believes every nonprofit can become a well-funded scalable institution. Not afraid of risks, she has worked with leadership and advancement teams to foster internal cultures of philanthropy. Angela has an MBA from Ursuline College and attained her CFRE in 2022.
How to Hire Top Talent (and Retain Them!)
Room: Majestic G
October 18
8:45am - 9:45am
Right now, someone on your team is thinking about quitting. “Staff turnover was the third highest nonprofit leadership challenge," in the 2023 Nonprofit Leadership Impact Study. This interactive workshop provides the keys to attracting and retaining top talent. Learn how to employ progressive techniques to create a compelling, transparent, and equitable hiring practice. Walk away with specific actions to recruit diverse talent and to navigate hiring challenges. Gain modern retention techniques for multigenerational, diverse, hybrid teams—and strengthen your team’s connection through innovative, and often surprising, retention strategies. With a steady team, you can build momentum and smash revenue goals!
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
Pacific Northwest Research Institute - Chief Advancement Officer
Shannon Bowen is a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, career advancement coach, and a staff retention and salary negotiation expert. Currently, she is the Chief Advancement Officer for Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Co-President-Elect for AFP Advancement Northwest Board of Directors, and CEO of Monsoon Leadership where she coaches development leaders to land their dream job and get paid what they deserve. Determined to stop the tide of staff attrition in development, Shannon advocates for equitable hiring practices and innovative staff retention techniques. She is committed to creating healthy workplaces, one manager at a time.Leading Today: An Exclusive Look at Leaders’ Top Challenges And Strategies They Use to Succeed
Room: Majestic A-B
October 18
8:45am - 9:45am
Being a leader has never been easy. But in today’s changing world, where leaders face everything from donor revolts to worker shortages, leading has never been tougher. The Chronicle of Philanthropy surveyed hundreds of nonprofit leaders to learn their biggest challenges and how they are succeeding despite them. You’ll see the results of the Chronicle’s exclusive survey: leaders have increased demands on their time, believe fundraising is more challenging, and have difficulties finding staff. You’ll hear insights from CEOs and executive directors about how they avoid burnout, find staff, work with their boards, and lead in today’s world.
Audience:
Applied
Speakers
