The Development Download Podcast

Recorded live at AFP Greater Houston's Ask the Experts conference on June 16, 2026, this episode of The Development Download brings together 25 voices from across our fundraising community to answer one question:  Can you share a relationship that started as a simple connection but grew into something much more meaningful? Their answers touch on mentorship, career growth, friendship, and the unexp...

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Audra Jesudason, Vice President of Philanthropy and Membership, Lisa Marie Avendano, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo. Workplace culture is one of those things everyone talks about, but it can be difficult to define and even harder to build. In this conversation, we explore how the Ho...

In this episode of  The Development Download , we're joined by Sara Ralston, M.Ed., Associate Director of Operations for the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. We explore what brings fundraisers to seek out additional training, credentials, or continuing education. Sara shares what participants are typically hopi...

In this episode of The Development Download , we're joined by Jamie Spiva, CFRE, Senior Director of Major Gifts and Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and LaGina Rae Harris, owner of The Us Space and a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Jamie also serves as Chair of AFP Greater Houston's 2026 Ask the Experts Conference. Together, we explore how to make networking actually work for...

In this episode of  The Development Download , we're joined by  Michelle Buchanan , Principal at  Dini Spheris . Michelle brings a hiring-side perspective to a conversation many professionals are navigating right now: how to stand out in a crowded job market. We walk through the full job search cycle, from networking and resume submission to interviews and follow-up. Michelle shares what actually...

In this episode of  The Development Download , we're joined by Shelly Millwee and Jess Ansel from Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Shelly serves as President and CEO, and Jess is Vice President of Philanthropy. Together, they share how their chapter built a seven-figure gala from the ground up. We explore the thoughtful planning and foresight behind the event, how they centered mission...

In this episode of  The Development Download , we're joined by Eldon Lewis of LewisOrellana Inc for a lively conversation on strategies you can implement today to transform your fundraising heading into 2026.  As the new year begins, Eldon shares three practical, high-impact strategies that development professionals can use to reset priorities and strengthen their fundraising efforts. Drawing on h...

This episode of The Development Download features Christine Ann Stevens, MBA, CFRE, SHRM-CP, incoming Board President for AFP Greater Houston. We talk about mentorship, the return of AFP Greater Houston's mentorship program, and what a strong mentoring relationship can look like in practice, including a live mentoring moment with Sarah. Christine also gives us a look at what's ahead for the chapte...

In this episode of  The Development Download, Christina J. Allen, CEO of FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, joins us to share her journey of moving from fundraiser to executive leader. We talk about what it really takes to step into the top role, building your skills, managing your board, and leading with authenticity. Christina also opens up about seeking feedback, keeping a big-picture vis...

This episode features Marly Maskill, Executive Director of the Houston ToolBank. The ToolBank is a nonprofit lending library that equips other nonprofits with tools and equipment so they can focus resources on their missions rather than overhead. Marly shares how organizations can access ToolBank's inventory of hammers, power drills, tables, generators, and other event gear to get projects done wi...

In this episode of  The Development Download , we feature Susan Coulter (Byron Welch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising 2023) to explore the philanthropy that shaped Houston—and what it means for fundraisers working in our city today. We dive into historic gifts that built Houston's hospitals, parks, and cultural institutions, share insights on what makes Houston's fundraising landscape...

In this episode of  The Development Download , we're digging into what the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential is, why it matters, and how to know if it's the right move for your fundraising career.   You'll hear from CFREs and AFP Greater Houston board members  Ronnie Hagerty  and  Will Horton , who share how the certification has shaped their professional journeys, what the process...

In this episode of the Development Download, grant consultants Allison Boyd and Janice Adamson Splawn discuss the shifting landscape of federal funding and what it means for fundraisers navigating today's challenges. We unpack key trends and offer insights to help fundraisers stay ahead, including resources for the best information.     

What happens when a group of passionate 20-somethings launches a nonprofit in the middle of a global pandemic—entirely online? This episode features Ashton Prince, Chandler Skinner, and Dominique Reilly from the small but mighty nonprofit  Through the Staff . Born out of the pandemic,  Through the Staff  has a unique origin story that speaks to the creativity and drive of its 20-something founders...

Curious about Ask the Experts, AFP Greater Houston's very own conference? In this episode, we sit down with planning committee member Mandy Boyce to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect from this year's event taking place on June 12, 2025. You'll hear about the conference's 30-year legacy and how volunteers make it all possible. Plus, we share tips for managing volunteers effectivel...

Does your Data Playbook need an update? This month on  The Development Download , we're giving you the extra player you need on your team. Join us for "Level Up Your Data Game (for Free!)" with Jessica Davison from United Way Greater Houston .  The chat will include a discussion about free resources available in the Coffee & Quality program.  Link to Coffee & Quality:  https://unitedwayhouston.org...

What's the secret ingredient to a philanthropic culture that actually works? Houston Symphony's Christine Stevens and Kate Salvatore share their recipe on   The Development Download. 

Balance is something new and experienced leaders seek continuously. It can be challenging. However, AFPGHC President Victor Brooks shares how he finds balance in the next episode of  The Development Download , "From Hustle to Harmony: Finding Balance as a Leader."

Moving to a new city can be daunting. Listen to this conversation with Lerica Jones, Development Director of A.D. Players, on how she moved to Houston and got imbedded in the community and her organization with intention. 

Want to know what it's like to attend the Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference, now in its 31st year in Houston, TX? In this episode, we interviewed attendees throughout the day in "man on the street" style interviews. Special thanks are due to Darrell Jimerson Jr. for his expert help in audio mixing this episode.  The keynote speaker and book referenced in the episode is "Be the Unicorn" by Will...

When you hear fundraisers talk about how they got into the profession, almost all say they 'fell into it."  In the latest episode of The Development Download, "Fundraising As a First Choice," guests Allison Bryant and Abby Trahan, MPA, CFRE,  speak with your host, Sarah Brown Rankin about how they chose Fundraising First!

In this episode, host Sarah Brown Rankin chats with AFPGH board members Nekia Robinson and Jess Moore. They discuss how important "Development Besties" are in the sometimes-challenging nonprofit industry. Join us for this laughter-filled conversation!   

In this episode, host Sarah Brown Rankin chats with Loubel Cruz Galik, AFPGH chapter president. They talk about the community, encouragement, and friendship that is available through AFP membership, and the idea of "The Big Leap" - a time when they've started on a new opportunity before they were ready and went for it anyway.     

We're happy to announce the relaunch of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter's podcast, "The Development Download." In this mini-episode, you'll meet our new host and AFPGHC member, Sarah Brown Rankin, joined by LaGina Rae Harris, social impact entrepreneur and CEO of The Us Space, a co-working space centering women of color in the Mellie Esperson building in downto...

On this episode of The Development Download podcast, we are sitting down with Hera Arham. Hera is a fundraising professional and MBA candidate who has been searching for a new role in the profession. Join us in learning some of the resources and tools Hera is utilizing as she navigates her career and job opportunities.   For more information about our guest and for more resources, please visit htt...