PROGRAM
Start 2026 with clarity, courage, and a fresh perspective on your professional journey.
Join us for a lively and reflective session designed to support fundraisers as they assess, adjust, or accelerate their careers. Whether you’re seeking new growth in your current role or considering your next big move, this conversation is for you.
Our expert panel, moderated by programming co-chair Colleen Rogers Messenger, will share insights from multiple perspectives – a career coach, recruiter, and executive coach – covering key themes like when to grow or go, how to engage with recruiters, and the power of personal brand and intentional development.
What to Expect:
- A safe, interactive space to reflect on your 2026 professional goals
- Strategies for deciding if it’s time to move on or grow where you are
- Tips on working with recruiters and enhancing your LinkedIn presence
- Ideas to invest in yourself and build your personal brand
- Q&A and practical next steps to keep momentum going
We’ll kick off with a creative icebreaker: What’s one feeling you want to experience about your work in 2026? Then hear directly from our panelists and walk away with new tools, fresh insights, and real inspiration for your career path.
YOUR PANEL:
Tammy Cline, President
Career Search Associates, Inc.
Tammy brings over 40 years of experience connecting seasoned B2B sales professionals with roles that align with their strengths and goals. Her team partners with vetted companies nationwide, focusing on in-person, confidential conversations to uncover top talent beyond traditional search methods. Based in West Des Moines, she has a deep history of non-profit involvement, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, West Des Moines Human Services, and Furry Friends. A passionate Hawkeyes fan, Tammy also enjoys planning her next travel adventure.
Jen Slagle
Career & Leadership Development Coach
Jen helps midlife professionals gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their careers. Through her Career Harmony framework, she blends job-search strategy with self-reflection to guide clients into roles that align with who they are now. Known for her warm, relatable style, Jen supports clients through transitions, leadership growth, and personal brand development—including resumes and LinkedIn. An ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with a background in corporate marketing, she lives in Polk City and continues expanding her work to help professionals step into their next chapter with purpose.
Gilmara Vila Nova-Mitchell
Vistage Chair and Executive Coach
Gilmara has spent nearly two decades helping leaders grow and amplify their impact. Through dynamic leadership development sessions, transformative executive coaching, and innovative systems redesign, she equips organizations to thrive by putting people first—a mission she passionately champions. Originally from Brazil, Gilmara moved to the United States in 2001. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multicultural Education and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Drake University. She also completed doctoral studies in Organizational Development, focusing on building trust in the workplace.
location/PARKING:
PLEASE NOTE: This month's program will be at the Southtown Hamilton's located at 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. There is plenty of free parking available.
REMINDERS:
As an AFP member, you may bring one guest annually FREE OF CHARGE to an AFP monthly education meeting. If you would like to use your free guest pass, please email Kim at admin@afpcentraliowa.org.
MEAL OPTIONS:
We will enjoy catering from In the Bag for this month's luncheon. Please complete this google form to make your choice between: Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Roast Beef sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Vegetarian sandwich, Crunch-with-a-Punch Chicken Wrap, or Chicken with Wild Rice Soup. Anyone who does not submit a lunch choice by 1/7/26 will receive the Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich.
RSVP DEADLINE:
Please register and submit your lunch choice by noon on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
CFRE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:
This program is eligible for CFRE credits. To search CFRE credits for past AFP programs please visit: My Education Finder.