Tycely Williams, CFRE - Chair
“AFP’s Women’s Impact Initiative provides a unique opportunity for our collective membership to work towards the obtainment of equity while placing equal value on inclusion, diversity and access. I serve because our success as charitable fundraisers is not merely measured by the dollars we raise—if we exceed fundraising goals at the expense of hurting and harming people we fail.”
Helen Choi, CFRE
“The work of AFP IHQ’s Women’s Impact Initiative is important because in order to advance women’s global philanthropy, we need to disrupt the status quo in the current mechanism in the practice of fund development in a way that’s not threatening but healing and revitalizing. ”
Rachel Hutchisson
“When I think about all the things in the world that are important to me, central to my belief system is the value of equity, however that lens is applied. This world needs all of us at the table, collaborating to ensure we are building a safe, just, open, fulfilling reality for everyone.”
Adrienne McDade
"Even though our profession is female dominated, the issues of equity in regards to pay and senior leadership opportunities still exist. Women have more power and uncovered potential than we think. #ImHereForThat"
Janice Gow Pettey, Ed.D
"Personally, as a woman of color I believe that equity is long overdue in our society. Differing pay scales, limiting opportunities for professional growth, and behavior in the workplace are examples of how inequity is being normalized. For gender equity to become the new normal, we must listen, gather facts, examine underlying values and attitudes all as part of addressing the challenge."
Paul Pribbenow, CFRE, PHD
"I have always appreciated AFP's mission-based commitment to ethical and effective fundraising - in other words to efforts that are both successful and good. The Women's Impact Initiative is a remarkable example of how that mission is made real. Fundraising cannot be successful unless our profession is populated by strong practitioners of diverse experiences and backgrounds."
Löki Gale Tobin, MA
"In the words of Melanie Sheppard, 'A society cannot operate to its full potential when half of its members do not have an equal voice.' When we all enjoy the freedom to live safely, openly and as our authentic selves, businesses thrive; our social institutions are strong and our potential becomes limitless."
Isaac W. K. Thweatt
"Understanding the influence and intersectionality of philanthropy and women - as donors, volunteers, advancement professionals, and thought-leaders - positively impacts the strategic performance and outputs of many nonprofit organizations."
Stephanie Raynor-Hohol
Stephanie Raynor-Hohol is a recognized trail blazer and leading expert in the evolution of authentic business development and community partnerships and in the integration of social purpose, community engagement and partnership development. For over 20 years, she has worked at the intersection of tri-sectored strategic partnerships between corporate businesses, all levels of government and non-profit organizations. Throughout her professional career she has embraced a steadfast commitment to building substantive and sustainable partnerships. She has developed countless innovative and mutually beneficial relationships and empowered people, organizations and systems to work together to build healthy and vibrant communities.
Kerry Watterson
"My career as a fundraiser has been focused on serving social justice causes like LGBTQ rights, racial justice, economic justice, education access, and women's equality. I care deeply about these issues."
Allyson Reaves
"This volunteer-driven initiative of male and female thought leaders demonstrates a genuine strive to create a culture of diversity, access, and inclusion for countless organizations, boards, and sectors. This work will be an important resource that women can tap into to further their paths and enlarge their pool of opportunities."
Ann Hale, CFRE
"We have to realize that these are not just women's issues—these are issues that are fundamental to the principles of the charitable sector, a sector that is based on equality, justice, and equity. To call them women's issues is to ignore what each of us, man or woman, works to build every day: connections, understanding, empathy, generosity, and compassion. "
Birgit Smith Burton
“I’m confident that the work of the Women’s Impact Initiative will shine a much needed spotlight on gender inequity in the fundraising profession and will help to make important changes towards this inequity through education and support.”
Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA
"As the leading global association representing fundraisers, AFP's role in this situation is to raise awareness of key issues, unite people and organizations together, and seek solutions to these challenges."
Kevin Foyle, CFRE
"I believe strongly as a leader that development professionals should be treated equally and fairly in the workplace regardless of perceived differences. Opportunities for advancement within the organization and equitable compensation are two key factors which managers should consistently evaluate to make sure that no one is left behind."
Heba Mahmoud, MBA
"Fundraisers work to make the world a better place for everyone. Ensuring that the sector is free from gender inequity and is safe and equitable for all makes me a part of the philanthropic process."
Michael Nilsen
“I’ve been with AFP for over twenty years, and this feels like the most important project we’ve ever undertaken. I’m excited to be a small part of it, learn how to turn my values and principles into action in support of this project, and ensure its impact continues to be felt far beyond its two-year implementation period.”
