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Meet Hannah Berger and Cassie Carter, our first co-chapter presidents. Through this Q&A, find inspiration in the personal journeys that drive their dedication to AFP-GLAC and philanthropy, their favorite aspects of their roles, and how they balance the demands of nonprofit work. Learn about their goals for the chapter and our members this year.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in fundraising/philanthropy?
HB: At the ripe, young age of 23, I was laid off after two short years in my very first job post-undergrad (along with half of the staff) from a national nonprofit in Washington DC. I returned to LA and took the first job I could get - an administrative position in the office of University Advancement at Cal State Northridge. Judy Knudson was the VP of Advancement at the time, and she took a liking to me. She was a fearless, bold character and enjoyed putting me in situations I had no business being in. Her mentorship really launched my career in fundraising.
CC: I was executive director of a small education-based nonprofit in Montana that was poised to grow. We built an ambitious strategic plan, and I asked the planning consultant we were working with (Louise Stevens of ArtsMarket) – what is most important thing I can do to ensure this plan is successful and she said – become a good fundraiser. At that moment, my career shifted from managing education programs to development.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
HB: Two things: 1. Connecting people. 2. Being a change agent. I firmly believe fundraisers are activists and our ability to create community and move resources around to improve lives is incredibly powerful. It's a gift to be of service.
CC: As a biologist raised by social worker parents, I love the intersection of data, process and humanity. I discovered that fundraising is really about connecting the mission of the organization to the values and passions of donors. Philanthropy is about joy. Successful fundraising is grounded in data and process that guides where you focus your energy and efforts, but ultimately it is about a collaboration with the donor to advance things that are important to them and then celebrating the joy that it brings them and your organization.
Q: Work life balance is more important than ever although often very difficult for nonprofit professionals. What is your favorite way to recharge & reset?
HB: Staying fit helps me stay sane. I love weight training, spinning, hiking, and taking super long walks with my pup. When I really need a reset, I get with my best girlfriends for a session. They know how to put me in my place and fill my cup at the same time!
CC: Being outdoors and in nature is my touchstone. It is what recharges me and keeps me balanced. My most favorite thing to do is to swim in a warm ocean.
Q: Which one of AFP’s values/principles resonates with you the most?
Hannah and Cassie couldn't just pick one - they are all intertwined. We can't advance philanthropy without trust and we can't collaborate and build community without inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Partnership and collaboration are the values that drive our work and fundraisers are the engines that drive our organizations forward. As long-time members of AFP, we are particularly proud of our local chapter because we really "walk our talk" when it comes to these values.
Q: What would you like our members to know about your goals for the chapter this year?
Hannah and Cassie share the same vision and direction: It's really important to us that everyone feels our theme for 2024 - like they are an important part of our generous community. We want our members to feel seen, respected, and supported when they are engaging with AFP GLAC programs, leadership, and staff. In our complex and turbulent world - advancing this idea means that we support each other with an open heart, that we find value in our work and that we value the contributions of everyone around us.
Hannah Berger is President at The Philanthropy Coach and Cassie Carter serves as Vice President - Western Region for Campbell & Company. You can reach Hannah and Cassie anytime at: Hannah@thephilanthropycoach.com and Cassie.Carter@campbellcompany.com, respectively.
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