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?

When I was in college at Capital University, I took a class where I served as the Executive Producer of a local broadcast show. I booked all the programs and focused on highlighting the nonprofit community. Seeing the incredible work being done to support our community sparked my interest in being part of it professionally. I pursued several internships in the field, learned about development, and realized that fundraising was the area where I could make the greatest impact, working alongside incredible people to strengthen and serve our community.

Q: Tell us a little about the organization you work with—its mission, who it serves, and what excites you most about the work.

 For the past 10 years, I have worked at Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Through programs in STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship, we provide girls with a space to learn, grow, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

What excites me most is giving girls a safe place to find their voice, lead with confidence, and support those around them. Both of my daughters were Girl Scouts and experienced friendships and opportunities they might never have had otherwise, sleeping overnight at COSI and the Zoo, exploring the outdoors, and learning bravery while selling cookies. These experiences teach critical skills that last a lifetime.

In today’s world, where bullying is prevalent, kids spend more than seven hours a day on screens, and outdoor play is limited, organizations like Girl Scouts are more important than ever. I’ve met so many girls who describe Girl Scouts as their safe place, and knowing we provide that is incredibly fulfilling.

Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?

I have participated in a variety of AFP educational sessions for more than 15 years and have been a member for 9 years. What I value most is the range of learning opportunities offered each year. Even after many years in the field, these sessions provide fresh ideas, helpful reminders, and practical refreshers that keep the work top of mind and inspire me to continually grow as a fundraising professional.

Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?

There have been so many moments in my career that remind me why I do this work, but one stands out as particularly meaningful: cutting the ribbon on the new AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center on our Battelle Science and Innovation Campus at Camp Ken-Jockety. This $16 million project took five years of dreaming and planning to bring to life, made possible by the generosity and collaboration of community leaders, donors, and partners who believed in the vision.

Now, walking through the space and seeing girls with tools in their hands, conducting soil tests, engaging with professionals in fields they may never have considered is incredibly rewarding. This center gives girls a place to dream big and explore possibilities for their futures, helping to fuel the workforce of tomorrow. I am so proud to have played a part in making this vision a reality alongside so many passionate partners.

Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?

Fundraising has taught me the power of caring and the importance of collaboration. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing donors, community leaders, and staff come together around a shared vision, like when we launched the STEM Leadership Center. Each person brought their passion, ideas, and resources, and together we created something far bigger than any of us could have done alone. It’s a powerful reminder that when people work together, they can make a real difference in our community and the world.

Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?

One piece of fundraising advice that has always stuck with me is: if you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. People want to make an impact on their community; it’s our job as fundraisers to show them how their investment can do that. At the same time, it’s important to do your research—understand a donor’s interests, involvement, and capacity. Fundraising requires a plan, but also flexibility to let the donor lead. Giving is a partnership, and the most successful relationships honor that.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?

I regularly read The Chronicle of Philanthropy and follow global AFP daily chats, there are always great questions, and hearing from others in the profession is incredibly helpful. I’ve also really enjoyed several books by John Maxwell on leadership, and I’ve especially invested in Developing the Leaders Around You.

In addition, I keep up with local business publications like Business First, Columbus CEO, and Columbus Monthly. Staying informed about what’s happening in our community is critical to our work in fundraising and helps us connect donors to meaningful opportunities.

Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?

Central Ohio is such a wonderful place to live and work. People genuinely care about the community and each other, and there’s a fantastic mix of food, sports, music, and culture. And of course, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams is always a highlight!

Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?

When I’m not on the road watching my daughter play college soccer or traveling with my son for basketball, I enjoy reading and staying active. A few days a week, you can find me running or joining a local boot camp class. And if we have a free weekend, my husband and I love exploring a new place to hike together.

Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?

I would go back to Aruba, where my husband and I spent our honeymoon. I’m a true beach girl—feet in the sand, sun on my face, floating in the crystal-clear water. Aruba was unforgettable, and I would love the chance to go back and soak it all in again.

Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?

I would say the honeybee is the perfect mascot for fundraisers because they work hard and collaborate for overall impact. Just like honeybees, fundraisers tirelessly gather resources, bringing people together toward a shared goal. Each bee contributes a small part, but together they create something meaningful, a thriving hive.

Fundraisers, like bees, connect, communicate, and nurture growth. They identify opportunities, build relationships, and help a community flourish. And just as bees turn nectar into honey, fundraisers turn passion and generosity into real, lasting impact.

A honeybee mascot reminds us that small actions, persistence, and teamwork can create something incredible, and, of course, create quite a buzz, the foundation of every successful fundraising effort.