Why are you a fundraiser? God gave me a gift. He allows me to see the connections between people and draw the lines between them. I understand who they are and what they need, and I try to find a way to help them connect to others. Thankfully, I work in a field where I can use that talent to improve life for other people, instead of just using it to my own benefit.

What achievements are you most proud of? Personally, I am most proud of my two children. Professionally, I feel my greatest accomplishment has been to grow a local, nonprofit organization to more than 50 sites internationally in just eight years.

What have you enjoyed most about being a fundraiser? The greatest joy in fundraising is in knowing you’ve made a difference in other people’s lives, both donors and recipients. Your work provides for the recipients’ needs and gives the donors the opportunity to share their blessings.

What have you liked the least about being a fundraiser? I’ve been disappointed only when I’ve been asked to support something I’m not sure I believe in. That’s a real challenge—you have to love what you do and feel that it has value and importance.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life? I think the greatest influence on my life, outside of my family, has been Monsignor Bryan Walsh, who was best known for bringing Cuban refugee children to the United States in Operation Pedro Pan. I was blessed that he took an interest in me at a very young age. Not only did he deeply affect my spirituality, but he also was my first true mentor. He taught me how to listen quietly to the voice inside me leading me in the right direction. He engrained in me a sense of duty and service to others.

Name at least three things you like to do when you’re not fundraising. I enjoy traveling with my wife. I very much enjoy good conversation over great food with old friends. And, for those of you who may know me from Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Conferences, I like to dance!

In what ways would the profession of fundraising benefit from increased diversity? The key to excellence in fundraising is knowing your audience. I don’t pretend to know all there is to know about every race or religion, but I make it a practice to be open to what people of different cultures have to teach me. Inclusion in professional fundraising enables all of us to understand each other’s history and experience and, therefore, to find the right vehicle for our prospects to share their gifts with others.

What do you think fundraisers can do to include more diversity in the sector? The first thing I would recommend is to get involved and meet people. I feel I may be preaching to the choir, but it means being everywhere, listening far more than speaking and inviting people to join in, regardless of their background. Then it’s all about respecting each other.

What is the biggest challenge that fundraisers face today? I think my greatest concern and our greatest challenge is integrity. There are too many ways to hurt our profession through misguided attempts to rush or take shortcuts. People have to feel that they can trust you absolutely, and not just because they’re giving you their money. They believe in you and in what you represent, and there are few gifts more precious than that.

What is the key to a successful “ask”? The key is confidence in asking the right person for the right gift at the right time. Also, make sure you have accurate research, and that you’re accompanied by the right person. And a nice smile and a firm handshake never hurt!

Is there anything about fundraising that still surprises you? Yes, I am often surprised by the sheer enormity of people’s generosity even when life—or the economy—takes a downturn.

Ideal donors are … Welcoming, committed to your mission, ready to get involved and in it for the long run.

What advice would you give to a new fundraiser? Find a mentor, be involved in your community and become a good advocate for your cause. Then follow the advice that both your heart and mind agree on.

What is the most essential quality of a good fundraiser? Patience. We’re not gifted with clairvoyance and we can’t impose our will on other people. Sometimes, we just have to wait for the right opportunity and pray for perfect timing. Of course, there’s no excuse for missing the right opportunity, but when we’re patient listeners, the opportunity makes itself known to us.

——————————————————————————–