For this month’s Board Member Spotlight, we spoke with Lizzie Howald Development Director, at Arthritis Foundation. Lizzie is serving as the Affinity Groups & Peer Cohorts Chair of our chapter this year. During her interview, she told us a bit about herself and her experience with AFP.
Q: How did you find your way into the world of fundraising? Was it the plan, or did you stumble into it along the way?
I was in the art administration program at OSU, which led me to the non-profit industry. I started as an admin role in the arts, became a fundraiser at that same arts organization, and am now a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.
Q: Tell us a little about the organization you work with—its mission, who it serves, and what excites you most about the work.
I work for the Arthritis Foundation in the Central Ohio Market. Our mission is to pursue a cure to America’s #1 cause of disability while championing the fight to conquer arthritis through life-changing science, resources, advocacy, and community connections. We serve the 60 million people, including nearly 300,000 children, living with arthritis in the US.
I work with a phenomenal community of volunteers, practitioners, and patients. I am honored to be trusted with their stories.
Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?
I joined AFP on the day I told my then executive director that I was interested in fundraising, about 3.5 years ago. What I value the most is the relationships and genuine friendships I have made by being a part of this organization.
Q: What inspired you to serve on the AFP board, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
My introduction to AFP was the Small Shops affinity group. I eventually came to lead Small Shops and now serve as the Affinity Groups and Peer Cohort chairperson. I love meeting and networking with non-profit professionals from across Central Ohio. The Affinity Groups provide a wonderful starting point to develop long-lasting relationships.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
Every time I meet a family grappling with a new diagnosis, I am reminded of the importance of this work. Whether it is a parent who just heard “juvenile arthritis” for the first time, a 24-year-old learning of a Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis, or someone in their fifties experiencing a joint replacement, everyone can benefit from the resources, research, and community provided by the Arthritis Foundation.
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
People want to help! Sometimes you just have to ask.
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
Be impeccable with your word.
This helps me with follow up, ensuring I provide what I promised. It also helps me in the moment. I hold off on promises until I know I can follow through.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?
Completely unrelated to fundraising, my favorite book is the Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
In terms of fundraising resources, the best thing has been the people around me. I love asking for help from my colleagues. I learn so much!
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
I came to OSU for college and said that I would leave Columbus as soon as I graduated. 6 years post grad and I am still here (with a house, a fiancée, and 3 fur-babies). I love that Central Ohio is a growing culture and community. I feel like I am taking an active part in developing the unique culture of our town. My favorite coffee spot is Kokomo Coffee Paradise on Parsons Ave.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to make art. I take ceramic classes year-round and work on painting, crochet, and sewing at home.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Andalucía, Spain. My sister was stationed on the naval base in Rota for 2 years, so I was able to visit often from 2018-2019. I love having her back stateside, but the entire family misses Spain!
Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?
A capybara. Capybaras can hang out with pretty much any animal, from bunnies to crocodiles. As fundraisers, we find ourselves in vastly different situations daily. We learn not to blend in, but to adapt to our surroundings as we are.
