Member Spotlight – Lauren Miller
Lauren Miller
Student and President, AFP Ohio State Collegiate Chapter
Q: Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?
A: AFP Ohio State is a collegiate chapter of young professionals who are interested in fundraising, development, and nonprofits in general. Our membership includes both Undergraduate and Graduate students at Ohio State from all colleges and majors. We strive to provide educational programming and networking opportunities for students who will most likely be emerging into the field in the next 1-4 years. In my leadership role, I look forward to expanding our membership and giving students the opportunity to grow their professional network and become qualified, emerging professionals.
Q: How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?
A: I have been involved with AFP for 3 years now, and held leadership positions for 2 consecutive years. AFP Ohio State has helped me not only expand my professional network, but provided me with opportunities to learn and grow. I have had an incredible experience being a member of the chapter; I have met countless mentors and have continued my personal development through internships and informational interviews. My involvement has led me to Orlando for the Emerging Fundraisers Academy, where I not only learned about the practices of collegiate chapters throughout North America, but also expanded my contacts nationwide.
Q: What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?
A: The most valuable part of my AFP membership has absolutely been the relationships and contacts that I have made. The broad access to professionals in the Columbus area has allowed me to sit down with individuals that I would not have otherwise been able to get in contact with. To have them impart their knowledge and experiences has been an incredibly helpful tool in navigating my educational experience and a helpful piece in creating a plan for my future.
Q: How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?
A: As I said, I got involved with AFP as a Freshman in undergrad. I was recruited by the then-executive team and found that fundraising was the career path that I had been looking for. From my experience, it is a way to harness the passions of others in a productive and impacting manner. I have a psychology background, so my love of understanding and helping people is put to use in a much more broad setting. I am hopeful to continue on with fundraising and development when I graduate in May.
Q: What is your favorite part about living/working in Columbus? Favorite Restaurant?
A: My favorite part about living in Columbus is the welcoming people and atmosphere. I think it is a mecca for new experiences, and the city is conducive to constantly trying new things. My favorite restaurant would have to be Lindey’s in German Village; their brunch is probably the reason why I chose Ohio State.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.
A: I can sing every word to “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel. I learned it during a school project in 7th grade, and it’s stuck with me ever since.
Posted August 2016