At this point, many of us have heard of community-centric, trust-based, or inclusive fundraising. But how do we turn these buzzwords into real change? This session will dive into the how -- exploring concrete, actionable tools for embedding inclusive fundraising practices into your organization’s DNA. Learn how to shift power, build authentic relationships, and drive real impact by applying a community-centric lens across different organizational contexts. 

 Our panelists will explore how to:

·        Build authentic relationships that go beyond transactional giving

·        Center community in the fundraising process

·        Address common barriers surrounding inclusive fundraising practices

Guest Speakers:

Moderator - Nikkia Johnson, Development Director, Shalom Farms

Nikkia (she/her) is the Development Director for Shalom Farms. With over a decade of experience, her career has been centered on nonprofit development and operations, relationship building, and empowering marginalized communities. Born and raised in NYC, Nikkia’s upbringing and experience in direct service and advocacy work informs her commitment to advancing philanthropy rooted in equity and social justice. She is passionate about bringing people and causes together, helping generosity turn into tangible change in the community. Nikkia graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in sociology, and completed the AFP Central VA Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship in 2021. She currently serves on the Board for the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE) and Dogtown Dance. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the Richmond food scene, dancing, and traveling – and sometimes traveling to dance.

Alexa Van Aartrijk, Annual Fund and Event Manager, The Span Center

Alexa van Aartrijk (She/her) is the Annual Fund and Event Manager with The Span Center, Richmond's Capital Area Agency on Aging. She completed her Bachelor's in Human Services in 2017 at Old Dominion University and her Master's in Gerontology in 2019 at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a licensed Assisted Living Administrator in Virginia, as well as a Certified Geriatric Care Manager. Alexa has experience in continuing education, event management, long-term care, memory care, and older adult programming for local government. As a Gerontologist, Alexa focuses on advocating for older adults, resource awareness, and developing efficient programs that support quality of life in older adults. She has led multiple initiatives that address inequities in the Richmond region, and serves on the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse board.

Robert Chisley, Director, Affinity Engagement & Philanthropy

Development & Alumni Relations at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Robert Chisley is the Director of Black Initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). With 7 years of experience in development and alumni engagement, he’s well versed in frontline fundraising, event planning and project management. As a 2022 Central Virginia AFP Inclusive Fundraising Fellow, he is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all his work and is currently developing a Black Philanthropy Initiative that is slated for a public launch in August 2026 for Black Philanthropy Month. Robert is also a 2025 graduate of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute’s VCU Leadership Development Program. He currently holds a Master's in Sports Leadership from VCU and a Bachelor’s of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science. When not cultivating relationships you can find him visualizing how to create new experiences to engage creatives and music lovers in Richmond. 

Elizabeth Wong, Deputy Director for Administration and Development

Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA)

Elizabeth Wong (she/her) is the Deputy Director for Administration and Development at Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA), a civil rights nonprofit focused on advancing fair housing and housing justice. She's previously served in development, communications, and operations roles with the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, the READ Center, and ACLU of Virginia. Her career in nonprofits and dedication to advance equity and social justice comes from being raised by parents who fought for Asian American civil rights in New York in the 1970s. She is always excited to learn from others because we all bring different perspectives and have something to share. She also serves on the board of Justice Forward Virginia. Outside of work, she's taken on roles she never anticipated: soccer mom and theater parent.

Registration will begin at 8:45 am. 

The program will be from 9-10 am.

This program has been approved for 1 CFRE credit.