Fundraising, Authenticity, and Impact
How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? How and why did you get into fundraising?
I’ve been in the nonprofit sector for 13 years, with nearly a decade focused specifically on development and fundraising in LGBTQIA+ missions. I had no plans to be a fundraiser, but my first development mentor, Judy Belaires, changed my fate. She recruited me into the entry level fundraising position at the science center we both worked at, and the rest is history. She saw in me something I did not see in myself, and now I am uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community to a level or Queer Extravagance that accomplishes both personal success and shared equity for all through the power of authenticity, uniting diverse people, and maximizing the abundance of philanthropy on all levels.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I am Founder & CEO of Queer for Hire, a boutique consulting firm that provides fundraising support to LGBTQIA+ nonprofits, cultural competency to straight-led organizations and allies, and coaching for Queer professionals. In 2025, our 5-person team supported nonprofits and professionals across 8 states that raised $15.5 million.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
One highlight has been building development programs from scratch for Queer nonprofits in a federal landscape that aims to erase them and watching those programs grow into sustainable, multi-revenue fundraising engines. I’ve had the opportunity to double an operating budget, launch new donor pipelines, and mentor emerging fundraisers – all of which feel deeply meaningful.
The biggest challenge? Navigating urgency without sacrificing strategy. Fundraising often lives in a space of “we need it yesterday,” and leading through that tension – especially in under-resourced nonprofits – requires clarity, resilience, and long-term thinking.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
Fundraising is not about money. It’s about alignment.
If you focus only on dollars, you’ll burn out. If you focus on building relationships, shared ownership, and clarity of impact, the money follows.
Also: development is a team sport. If your organization treats fundraising as one person’s job, you’re already behind.
How did you get involved with AFP?
When Judy Belaires slid my first professional fundraiser job offer letter across the table, she told me I was going to accomplish a lot, including joining my local AFP Chapter (Greater Lehigh Valley, at the time). I did everything she said I would, including joined the board. AFP has been a monument of resources and opportunities for me at all parts of my career. My first year as a member, I was a Chamberlain Scholar and now I present at AFP ICON.
What advice would you give to AFP members who are considering becoming an AFP board member?
Do it.
Board service is one of the fastest ways to deepen your network, sharpen your leadership skills, and give back to the sector. It also gives you visibility into how governance, finance, and strategy intersect. You’ll grow — and you’ll contribute in meaningful ways.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Balance isn’t a perfect equation, it’s intentional boundaries. I prioritize time with community, movement, and rest. I have dedicated time every week where I am unplugged from my phone and my computer, and I plug into a book or cooking a meal or seeing a friend or getting outside or moving my body in ways that are fun. I’m learning that sustainability is something we build for ourselves and our organizations.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I LOVE food – cooking, eating, sharing, trying new things, going out to eat. I am learning to bake this year, too, which has been fun. I also enjoy the outdoors – I go kayaking every Friday at sunrise in Sausalito, hike when I can, swim multiple times a week, take walks after work. I thrive on travel – planning trips to the period or embracing spontaneity. I’m a huge fan of TV/Film; I see at least 2 movies in theaters every week and have a long running list of TV shows to catch up on.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
I want to continue shaping how we think about inclusive fundraising and leadership — not just within LGBTQIA+ spaces, but across the sector. I’m especially interested in building education spaces that equip fundraisers to lead boldly, sustainably, and authentically.
Shameless plug for AFP ICON, I’m excited to be moderating a panel at AFP ICON 2026 in San Diego: “Not Just A Seat At The Table: Building Fundraising Careers That Reimagine The Status Quo,” where we’ll explore how intersectional leaders are reshaping professional development, power, and growth in our field. The future of fundraising belongs to leaders who refuse to shrink, and I want to help build pathways for them to thrive.