Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, MSW, MPA, CFRE, nonprofit strategist, IDEA consultant, and AFP Global board member, to explore what it really means to lead change from any role. Jonathan shares how emerging leaders can prepare themselves for change, bring others along with them, and stay grounded when progr...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we asked attendees at AFP ICON to reflect on the unplanned career moments that helped shape who they are today. From lateral moves and sudden role changes to unexpected opportunities and reluctant yeses, fundraisers at all career stages share how uncertainty became a catalyst for growth. These stories highlight the...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we explore the transition from top-performing fundraiser to effective manager. Inspired by their upcoming session at AFP ICON , Leveling Up: Navigating the Transition into Management, our guests LaDaniel "Danny" Gatling II and P. Kevin Williamson share strategies for developing leadership skills, understanding diffe...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, Josie White, CFRE explores how fundraisers can build confidence, clarity, and capacity while juggling a wide array of responsibilities, from events and appeals to grants and major gifts. The conversation shares practical strategies for prioritizing tasks, tracking results, and testing big fundraising ideas on a smal...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Dwayne Ashley, founder and CEO of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, to explore the intersection of identity, equity, and leadership in our sector. Dwayne shares his path into fundraising, sheds light on the often overlooked history of Black leaders in philanthropy, and offers practical, heartfelt adv...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we explore the critical issue of fundraiser burnout. AFP ICON presenter Amanda Sattler breaks down the latest research on the systemic drivers of burnout, the six key mismatch domains, and how emerging leaders can advocate for more sustainable work environments as they grow in their fundraising careers. To learn mor...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, AFP President and CEO Art Taylor reflects on leading the organization through a period of uncertainty and change in the nonprofit sector. He shares insights on strengthening donor relationships, building resilience amid funding challenges, and using technology responsibly to advance missions. Art also offers practic...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, our host Emily Leitzinger takes her turn being a guest, alongside her mentee Ellen Heydon. They discuss their recent participation in the AFP/Alford Group Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) Mentor Program—why they decided to apply, how they overcame imposter syndrome, what they learned from one another through this pro...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we talk with Audrey M. Johnson, CFRE, a member of AFP’s Ethics Committee, about what ethical fundraising looks like for emerging leaders. In honor of Ethics Awareness Month — and AFP’s recent updates to the Code of Ethical Standards — we explore common challenges early-career fundraisers face, how to navigate ethica...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, AFP LEAD presenters Alisa Toney and Anthony Roberts discuss the challenges and opportunities that remote work poses for the career growth of emerging leaders. We discuss how interpersonal skills such as trust and emotional intelligence help build a thriving remote work culture rooted in communication and feedback. T...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, guests Chris Evans and Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier share their experiences as working moms and emerging leaders in the fundraising profession. They reflect on their involvement with the AFP Women’s Impact Initiative, discuss how the nonprofit sector can better support parents through flexibility and a people-firs...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, Meena Das, founder of NamasteData, joins guest host, Allison Strekal, MBA, CFRE, to explore how emerging fundraisers can use AI tools responsibly and effectively—even in organizations without clear policies. We talk about practical use cases, common mistakes, ethical concerns around donor data, and how AI can both s...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Beck to explore what it really means to innovate in fundraising today. From making the "secret sauce" in real time to embracing fresh approaches like giving circles, Christopher shares how nonprofits can stay relevant and responsive in a rapidly evolving sector. We dig into the importanc...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we asked the attendees at AFP’s annual conference, AFP ICON, to share their experiences navigating fundraising during uncertain times. These fundraisers reflect on the challenges they've faced and how they’ve demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear stories of perseverance, creative problem-...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The Emerging Leaders Podcast, our 2025 Outstanding Young Professional award recipients share the strategies that led to amazing fundraising results, as well as the personal career moves they’ve made that have set them up for success. Their advice serves as a blueprint for emerging leaders unsure of how to take their career to the next level.   Abby...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, Keith Greer and Carissa Konesky, two presenters from AFP ICON 2025, offer tips for overcoming imposter syndrome, submitting a proposal that gets selected, and engaging your audience with an interesting session. We discuss how presenting at an AFP event can boost your career and increase the visibility of your organi...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we discuss the challenging power dynamics that can exist between donors, and ourselves as fundraisers. How do characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality, or age impact how we are perceived and treated by donors? AFP ICON 2025 speakers Laurel McCombs and Robert Osborne share the strategies they’ve learned over t...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The Emerging Leaders Podcast, nonprofit digital consultant, AFP ICON speaker, and author, Julia Campbell, discusses how nonprofits can be effective storytellers in the digital world. She shares the trends she is seeing, such as the success of short form educational video content and the role of AI in content creation, plus how emerging leaders can a...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we sit down with the chief data officer for GivingTuesday, Woodrow Rosenbaum. He shares with us the trends from the Q3 2024 Fundraising Effectiveness Project report and how fundraisers can make practical use of this data in their fundraising strategies. Download the Q3 Report.  Guest: Woodrow Rosenbaum: As Chief Dat...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, fundraisers from across the sector reflect on their most inspiring wins of 2024. From record-breaking campaigns to transformative donor relationships, these stories highlight the creativity and resilience driving the profession forward. Tune in for a dose of motivation as you gear up for the crucial year-end giving...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we asked the attendees at AFP’s annual leadership conference, AFP LEAD , to share with us their best advice for how to give and receive professional feedback. Members from all generations and career stages share how to ensure that the feedback we’re giving and receiving is constructive, and beneficial for career gro...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we discuss the difficult questions we ask ourselves when we’re contemplating leaving a job: Can I get a bump in salary at my current organization? What am I really looking for out of a job change? Do I have the right skills to apply to a new position? How do I balance pursuing my passion with setting appropriate wor...

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we look at generational differences and how they factor into our fundraising. How can emerging leaders help our organizations connect with Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z donors? Hosts Emily and Allison are joined by Abbi Haggerty, Sara Greene, Annie Rae Carlton, and Miranda Huffer, a multi-generational development tea...

In this first episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we break down the myths, stereotypes, and feelings of imposter syndrome that emerging leaders and BIPOC fundraisers commonly face. Mojdeh Cox and Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE join hosts Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP and Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP to share their moments of doubt and th...