Make plans to join us for our October program, The Next Generation of Givers on Thursday, October 16 from 9-10am at the Tuckahoe YMCA. This session will introduce you to the topic of generational giving by explaining unique characteristics of this giving behavior. Our panel of experts will then expand on specific trends and explain how the youth and young adults respond to their organization’s services and targeted funding initiatives.
Program Speakers:
Margaret Dodson-Cordrey, Director of Annual Giving, Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Currently, Director of Annual Giving for the Girl Scouts, Margaret practices ethical fundraising in Richmond, VA, and she has more than eight years of experience in non-profits focused on empowering women and girls and creating community.
Her DEIRJ dedication makes her especially passionate about her work this year, knowing that advocating for and fundraising to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place is essential, now more than ever. She also loves knitting, her wife Kelsey, and their dogs Phoebe and Gracie.
Julia Bell, Associate Director of Development, UMFS
Julia is a positive, optimistic professional who believes in the power of relationships to drive meaningful change. As the Associate Director of Development at UMFS, she specializes in strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, and engagement, while working to build lasting partnerships that support the organization’s mission. Known for her helpful nature and strategic mindset, Julia thrives on connecting people to causes that matter, always with an eye toward the bigger picture. Outside of work, Julia loves exploring Richmond, discovering new restaurants with her husband Malcolm, and spending quality time with family and friends. Whether she’s cooking a new recipe or enjoying a meal with loved ones, Julia finds joy in the connections that bring people together.
Josh Leidy, Director of Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy, VCU
Josh has built his career in higher education, dedicating the past three years to development and alumni relations. As the Director of Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy, he leads identity-based engagement and philanthropy initiatives focusing on women, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities. Josh and his colleagues work to redefine philanthropy by emphasizing the power of community and its transformational impact. Outside of work, he channels his energy into fitness, experimenting with New York Times recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time with his partner, Hunter, and their two dogs, Sadie and Lenny.
LaChelle M. Lewis, PhD., Development Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters Services
A Richmond native, Dr. Lewis is a consultant and workshop facilitator for small business owners and nonprofit organizations seeking to incorporate justice, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility lens into their organizational structures, programs, and services. Dr. Lewis has over 15 years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector, including serving as Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Services.
She holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Adler University, and is a graduate of both Leadership Metro Richmond Leadership Quest Class of 2023 and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond’s Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Program Class of 2024. Dr. Lewis resides in Bumpass, VA, with her wife, Jamie; turtle, Wayne Tao; dog, Bear; and two cats, FrankE and Taco. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys cooking, listening to music or podcasts, and reading.
Katie Rhodes, Director of Advancement for Annual Giving, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond
Katie believes in the power of relationships to create transformative change. Her career spans over a decade as an advancement and grant-writing professional with experience in nonprofit program development. Guided by her deep love for people and the connections that foster growth, she specializes in cultivating meaningful donor relationships, managing grants, and driving strategic initiatives.
Katie’s expertise includes grant management, equity-focused service, design and implementation of strategic process, and building partnerships that make a lasting community impact. At home, she treasures her role as a mom to her spirited four-year-old daughter, Aliyah. With her signature coffee (or two) in hand, Katie approaches every opportunity—whether at work or at home—with an open heart, embracing each chance to invest in the people and connections because they matter most.
Registration will begin at 8:45 am. The program will run from 9 - 10 am.