Q: What inspires you to be a fundraiser?
A: I once heard that if you like asking for money, you go into sales, but if you want to change communities by improving people’s lives, you become a fundraiser. That’s the power of what we do – building lasting and trusting relationships with donors and supporters who share not only a passion for the organizations we serve but also the dollars to make a difference.
Q: What is your goal in this role?
A: As fundraisers, it’s our job not only to show people how to give- but to show them why it matters. At Next Step Ministries, being witness to women survivors of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking who are provided safety, programming, opportunities, and skills to move beyond trauma and towards a life of freedom and choice is powerful and inspiring, heartbreaking, and somedays just hard.
One of my goals throughout 2022 is to connect with as many people as possible and share the impact that is happening, the lives being changed, and the hearts being healed. I’m not a seasoned fundraiser, but what I do know for sure is that no matter someone’s giving capacity, each person wants to know what difference their gift will make – and I’m on a mission to make that happen.
Q: What do you believe drives philanthropy?
A: Too often, we assume someone must be wealthy to be philanthropic. But in reality, everyone can be a philanthropist. And now more than ever, people want to help. That’s why it should come as no surprise that last year’s GivingTuesday saw unprecedented support in both the number and dollars raised, not just for NSM but for charities around the globe.
Q: What is something you want donors to know?
A: There are 3 simple things that we want every woman who comes to NSM to know – whether they stay for a day, a week, or a year, and it is this: That they are loved by God, loved by others, and have choices. I think that’s so powerful.