Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter
Trailblazers Column 2 (May 2025)
Our monthly Trailblazers column shines a light on some of our remarkable members who dedicate their lives and careers to stimulating a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising. — Michael Stein and Andrew Allanson.
Nora Cullinen is a skilled fundraising professional with over ten years of experience in nonprofit development. As the Director of Major Gifts at Greenbelt Alliance, she has led successful fundraising initiatives to protect natural landscapes and promote sustainable growth across the Bay Area. Greenbelt Alliance works across all nine Bay Area counties to protect natural landscapes and promote sustainable growth. For more than 65 years, they have helped ensure our region stays vibrant and climate resilient. Nora is passionate about building strong relationships with donors and advancing environmental causes through strategic, long-term engagement.
“I grew up in the Bay Area, and I’m deeply passionate about protecting our open space and agricultural lands while also ensuring we create affordable homes within our current cities and towns, not on sprawl lands. My job is to connect people to this work, inspire them, and give them opportunities to give back to their communities. I love being that kind of matchmaker.”
“I joined AFP Golden Gate to connect with others in the field who are navigating similar challenges and exploring creative solutions. The opportunities to engage with the fundraising community re-energize me and help me return to my work with fresh ideas and inspiration.”
We invite you to read a longer profile we published about Nora’s work entitled Earth Day in the Bay: Tips for Environmental Fundraising.
A passionate and versatile climate advocate, Justin Evans combines over three years of hands-on experience in program and project management with a strong foundation in cultural anthropology and environmental justice. He excels at uncovering insights to fuel program growth and building lasting relationships that drive impact. Since April 2023, Justin has been advancing sustainable agriculture as a Development Associate with Kitchen Table Advisors.
“At Kitchen Table Advisors, we support sustainable farmers and ranchers through 1:1 business advising and regional ecosystem-building projects. Our vision is to evolve our food system so that these sustainable farmers and ranchers are thriving and valued as important leaders within a vibrant, community-based food system.”
“My true passion is creating meaningful climate impact and uplifting underserved communities from social and institutional oppression. I believe that my lived experiences, combined with my educational background and passion for environmental justice, will enable me to merge my organizational and administrative skills and work honestly towards my values of community, diversity, and environmentalism. Through Kitchen Table Advisors, I can activate my passion for social justice and advocate for a better climate through supporting small, sustainable farmers and ranchers.”
Marcella Brawley is a seasoned fundraising leader with 15 years of experience in mission-driven nonprofits, from national organizations like the American Red Cross to local groups like the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. She has built and led successful fundraising programs, capital campaigns, and high-performing teams. Through her consulting and coaching practice, Marcella helps individuals and teams become more strategic, confident, and collaborative fundraisers—removing roadblocks, identifying opportunities, and refining strategies to exceed their goals.
“I joined the AFP Golden Gate Chapter because I’ve always valued the opportunity to connect with colleagues in the field and share knowledge. It brings me so much joy to relate to others who are navigating similar challenges. Fundraisers, in my experience, are incredibly courageous, thoughtful, and deeply caring people—and being part of that community truly fills my cup. I see an urgent and growing need for the work of the nonprofit sector, especially right now. So many basic needs are met through safety net services, and that demand continues to rise. In some small way, I feel empowered by contributing through fundraising and partnering with colleagues and organizations to help them achieve their goals. Supporting their missions and helping them remain resilient and viable for the long term is what motivates me. I’m driven by the desire to ensure organizations are ready and able to meet the increasing needs of the communities they serve.”
We invite you to read a guest article written by Marcella, entitled Navigating Major Gift Fundraising in Uncertain Times: 5 Essential Tips for Success.
Michelle Leporini, CFRE, is the Development Director at For The People in Oakland, where she leads fundraising efforts and builds strong relationships with philanthropic partners to advance the organization’s mission. With nearly a decade of nonprofit experience, Michelle has managed government contracts, mobilized volunteers, and forged partnerships with corporate and foundation supporters. Before entering the nonprofit sector, she spent seven years in public safety, serving as a liaison between police officers, prosecutors, and the courts. Michelle has also volunteered with the California Reentry Program at San Quentin State Prison, supporting incarcerated individuals preparing for reentry. She holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology from San Diego State University and a B.S. in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz. Her academic research has focused on green jobs for returning citizens and the impacts of juvenile hall discipline.
Are You a Trailblazer?
Are you a fundraising trailblazer in Northern California and a member of AFP Golden Gate? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your new job or job change. Are you a consultant with a new client or client success? Did you join a nonprofit Board? Did you recently receive a new fundraising certification? We invite you to submit your Fundraising Trailblazer story which will be reviewed by our editorial team. The submission is free and Chapter membership is required.