Welcome to our monthly Board Member Spotlight, where we highlight the amazing individuals who make up the board of the AFP Golden Gate Chapter. Each month, we feature a different board member to share their journey, expertise, and contributions to the nonprofit sector.
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Dena Vonghanh, Founder and Managing Director of Good Soup and our wonderful AFP Golden Gate Chapter President.
How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? How and why did you get into fundraising?
I’ve been involved in the nonprofit sector for over five years. Before that, I worked in customer-facing roles in sales and recruiting which taught me a lot about relationship building. I wanted to find more meaning in my work, and that led me to a role as a Volunteer Coordinator at City of Dreams. It was a small but mighty team and I quickly found myself helping with grant writing, marketing, and individual giving. That experience sparked a passion for fundraising and gave me a deep appreciation for the sector.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
Today, I’m the Founder and Managing Director of Good Soup, a small consulting shop dedicated to supporting fundraising teams. I help with the behind-the-scenes tasks like managing donor data, processing gifts, generating reports, and building out workflows. These areas are so important but often get sidelined. I love being the person who brings structure and relief to fundraisers by creating systems that work for them and not against them.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
Starting Good Soup has been an exciting and rewarding step. The support I’ve received from friends and colleagues has meant so much, and it’s been an honor to work with organizations that are doing incredible work in the community. I’m also really proud to serve on the AFP Golden Gate board, especially as it’s played such a big role in my own development. One ongoing challenge is navigating the broader systems within the nonprofit world that can sometimes make it harder to create real impact, but I stay grounded in the purpose and the people.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
I encourage others to prioritize balance and set boundaries. It’s a challenge, but it’s so important for long-term success. Taking care of yourself allows you to serve your mission and community more effectively. Find your community and accountability partners. They make all the difference.
How did you get involved with AFP?
A wonderful mentor of mine, Stacy Dryer (who will also be my future mother-in-law!), introduced me to AFP early in my career. She recognized the value of the organization and encouraged me to join. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received!
What advice would you give to other AFP members who are considering becoming an AFP board member?
I’d recommend starting with a committee. It’s a great way to understand how the chapter works and get involved before committing to a board role. That’s how I got my start and it made the transition to the board much smoother.
How do you manage to balance your personal and professional life?
I make a conscious effort to set boundaries like aiming to finish work by 5 p.m. and charging my phone in another room to help me disconnect. I also prioritize self-care and make time for things I enjoy outside of work.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I love traveling with my partner, catching live sports events (football, baseball, F1!), getting creative with arts and crafts, and playing video games. I especially enjoy immersive games that are both relaxing and engaging, with a good sense of progress and community.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
What I’m really hoping to keep building towards is being that warm and reliable resource for nonprofit fundraising teams, especially when it comes to leveraging technology to optimize their operations. I genuinely care about making their lives a little easier by providing the smart systems and know-how they need to connect with donors effectively online and manage their fundraising processes with less hassle and more impact.