Fresh to the Field: Navigating Your Transition to Fundraising as a Young Professional

When:  Apr 15, 2022 from 08:30 AM to 10:00 AM (CT)
Associated with  AFP MN, Minnesota Chapter
Event Details
Join AFP Minnesota and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Twin Cities for an engaging panel discussion cultivated to support early nonprofit careerists who are transitioning to or new to the fundraising field. Mallory Mitchell will moderate the discussion with panelists Alyssa Whalon, Dee Baskin, Emily Pyle, and Myhana Kerr. Panelists will share some of their learned experiences as young professionals working in or transitioning to fundraising, a field that is predominantly led by seasoned careerists with decades of experience and can be difficult to break into. They’ll offer guidance for others who are considering making the switch, reflect on challenges they’ve experienced, and share how hiring practices can be more equitable for young professionals, especially those belonging to BIPOC communities. The session will conclude with unfacilitated small group discussions for participants to openly share about their thoughts and experiences.



Moderator:
Mallory_Mitchell.pngMallory Mitchell (she/her) is the resource mobilization director at Black Visions, where she leads the community organization's fundraising efforts. Previously, she worked in fundraising positions at GiveMN, Metropolitan State University, and the Urban League Twin Cities. Originally from Alabama, Mallory earned her bachelor's degree in business from the University of Montevallo and her master's degree in public policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Over the course of her career, she has developed a special interest in addressing issues of racial equity in philanthropy. When she's not working, you can find Mallory practicing yoga, scrolling through Twitter, and buying more candles than one person could ever need.




Panelists:

Dee Baskin (she/they) is a communicator, educator, advocate, and queer person of color with a deep commitment to justice and equity. Dee is the Executive Director of Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota (lrapmn.org), a 501(c)3 nonprofit helping legal aid attorneys pay their student loans until they reach Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)--ensuring that skilled and dedicated advocates are here to serve the low-income Minnesotans who need them most. Dee graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2010 and has a Bachelor’s in English and Public Relations from the University of Indianapolis.





Myhana Kerr (she/her) is the Associate Director of Philanthropic Giving, Affinity & Corporate Giving at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. During the pandemic, Myhana transitioned from health care consulting and returned to her alma mater as a fundraiser. In the past year and half, Myhana has really enjoyed building relationships and learning how to reimagine the world of fundraising in community with others. And in all honesty, there’s still plenty for her to figure out! Outside of work, Myhana enjoys getting outside to rock climb or kayak, trying to keep her Mandarin and Spanish from getting rusty, and spending time with her spouse and cats.




Emily Pyle (she/her) is a Minneapolis-based fundraiser that has experience with individual giving, membership, and events. Throughout her career, she has worked for The Arc Minnesota, The Saint Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, and Tubman. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies and Communications. In college, she was a Certified Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor and volunteered with The Aurora Center. In her free time, you can find Emily playing with her cat, Billie, binge-watching reality television, and acting as an avid karaoke supporter (she doesn't sing, but will support anyone who does).



Alyssa Whalon (she/her) is the Mid-Level Giving Specialist at the Science Museum of Minnesota, where she leads engagement strategy for mid-level donors. Previously, she worked in events and engagement at YWCA Minneapolis and database management and coordinating at Scholarship America. Alyssa grew up and went to school in Missouri and moved to the Twin Cities years ago for a position as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Alyssa has a cat named Darwin and her new hobby is baking. She also enjoys various craft projects, listening to music and watching HGTV.

Location

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