For this month’s Member Spotlight, we spoke with Jodi Bopp,

Vice President, Advancement at: I Am Boundless, Inc.

Q: Tell us a little bit about you.
A: I’m a career-long nonprofit fundraiser who’s proud to have worked in this industry for more than three decades. My career has given me the opportunity to learn, grow, and meet some incredible people – donors, coworkers or users of the services the nonprofit provides. Over the years, on my worst days of being tired, feeling like a failure, or allowing too much cynicism and pessimism in, it’s those people who remind me there’s beauty and kindness and generosity in the world. My life is measurably richer for their influence.

Outside of work, you can catch me enjoying all that Columbus has to offer (arts, sports, restaurants, microbreweries), and hanging out with the Bestest Good Boy ever, my dog Sam.

Q: Tell us your favorite ice cream flavor OR a hobby you have.
A: I sing in a community choir at Capital University, and have for a long time. It’s a great place where I get immersed in the music and the rest of the world takes a back seat when I’m rehearsing or performing.

Q: Seeing you have been an AFP member for so long, what kind of wisdom can you give others?
A: My best advice regarding AFP is to get involved. Whether it’s a little or a lot, what you put into AFP will eventually come back to you tenfold. When I was new to AFP, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t feel an immediate connection when I just popped in to the occasional lunch. But eventually, I joined a committee and began to form relationships with other members. Over time, those relationships led to formal/informal mentors (and eventually mentees), an entire network of experts I’ve called on time and time again to help with any number of professional challenges I’ve faced, and some very close friendships. My first NPD I sat there feeling very isolated/lonely. But now I attend and feel like I’m at a professional family reunion. My hope is that all AFP members can share that same experience.