Where diverse fundraisers share real stories and real solutions.

Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Jesse Ball duPont Center
Hosted by AFP FL, First Coast | Sponsored by 904ward

Join us for Voices of Impact, a dynamic panel discussion exploring the realities of fundraising in IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access)-centered organizations. Hear from nonprofit professionals who navigate this space daily—sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and the strategies that fuel purposeful philanthropy. Panelists include:

• Ernie Hamilton, SVP and Executive Director, Children's Home Society
• Lorin Thies, Director of Fund Development, 904ward
• Britney O'Conner, Marketing Director, Donor Engagement, Wounded Warrior Project
• Dawn Lockhart, CEO, Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida

Moderated by ReGina Newkirk Rucci, Director of Equity, 904ward

What to Expect:

• 5:45 – 6:00 PM: Networking & Light Refreshments

• 6:00 – 6:05 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks

• 6:05 – 6:55 PM: Panel Discussion + Q&A

• 6:55 – 7:00 PM: Closing & Community Highlights

Free to attend, but registration is required.
Reserve your spot today and be part of a conversation that matters.

Speaker Bios: 

Ernie Hamilton is the Senior Vice President for the Children’s Home Society in Northeast Florida.  Ernie is a native of Miami, FL, and has 31 years in the nonprofit industry. He is a visionary with robust leadership and strategic thinking. He has experience in mental health, homelessness, child welfare, and child advocacy.  Ernie has served on boards and committees that serve disadvantaged populations. He is experienced in program operations, business development, community relations, grants, and fundraising. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Bethune Cookman University, a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business, and a Business Accelerator Certification from Rollins College.

Lorin Thies is a native of Neptune Beach, FL. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a BS in Journalism and a Master’s in Public Administration. Lorin has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years, including time at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Tree Hill Nature Center, the Florida Theatre, MOSH, the University of North Florida, and currently 904WARD. She was recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as a “40 Under 40” in 2021. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Community First Cares Foundation and the Searching for Identity Foundation. She has also served as a mentor through Take Stock in Children, a board member for the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens, and a volunteer with the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Britney O'Connor serves as the Marketing Director of Donor Engagement at Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), where she leads a team responsible for all marketing efforts supporting WWP's business development initiatives, including corporate partnerships, major giving, and peer-to-peer fundraising. With 15 years of experience leading integrated marketing campaigns and communication strategies across both non-profit and for-profit organizations, Britney brings a wealth of expertise in creating innovative marketing strategies and materials that not only generate fundraising revenue but also build lasting partnerships that advance WWP's critical mission of honoring and empowering injured veterans. In her personal life, Britney enjoys spending time with her husband and 3-year-old daughter adventuring outside and trying new restaurants around town.

Dawn Lockhart is the CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, a 400-member organization that strengthens the nonprofit sector through advocacy, collaboration, and capacity building. In her role, she is leading efforts to align the public, private, and philanthropic sectors for greater community impact. Previously, Dawn served as the City of Jacksonville’s first Director of Strategic Partnerships, where she established a nationally recognized model for cross-sector collaboration. Her work earned national recognition from the Council on Foundations and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Dawn also led Family Foundations of Northeast Florida as President and CEO, advancing programs that improved mental health, housing, and financial stability for thousands. She has served on national and local boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Jacksonville Branch, and is a member of the Leap of Reason Ambassador Community. A graduate of Florida State University, Dawn also studied at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute. She lives in St. Johns, Florida, with her husband Bruce and their golden retriever, Willow.

ReGina Newkirk Rucci is the Director of Equity at 904WARD, where she partners with corporations and nonprofits to develop customized solutions that advance equity and inclusion in the workplace and community. She joined 904WARD in 2021 as Manager of Programs, leading initiatives to address racial disparities and promote systemic change. With over 25 years of experience, ReGina has held leadership roles at organizations including Rocketown, Whitman-Walker Clinic, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. Her work has focused on supporting marginalized populations, from health equity and education to youth services and nonprofit development. ReGina also has a background in education, having served as a teacher, interventionist, and coach in Title I schools across multiple cities. She holds degrees from NYU and the University of Tennessee, as well as a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. She and her husband live in Saint Cloud, Florida.