Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows Mentorship Program

The AFP Greater Detroit Chapter’s Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity to grow your expertise in the development field and network with experienced professionals. Fellows and mentees attend monthly discussions on a variety of topics, from events management, to major gift fundraising, to grant writing and more! Get inspired by passionate experts, and connect with those who share in this important work with you in Metro Detroit.

Fisher Fellows Mentors will receive the following benefits over a one-year period:

  • Membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter
  • Complementary registration for most chapter-sponsored events
  • Networking with fellow entry-level fundraising professionals, as well as experienced professionals in the field

A limited number of Fisher Fellows Mentorships are available. For consideration, applicants must be:

  • Currently employed in a fundraising capacity at a local non-profit organization located in Metro Detroit
  • Small organizations with limited development support will be given special consideration
  • Priority will be given to development professionals with less than three years of fundraising experience


The in-person Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows Mentorship kick-off will be held April 17 at Advantage Health (100 Talon Centre Bldg., Ste. 450, Detroit, MI 48207).

The Application deadline for 2024 has passed. Please check back in early 2025. 

Please contact Lauren Christilaw at lchristilaw@wayne.edu or Jasmine Valentine at jvalentine@detroitjustice.org with any questions.



Here's what past participants say about the program:

"The opportunity to glean tips and tactics from a seasoned fundraiser was priceless."

"I was matched extremely well with my mentor and I think this was the most beneficial part of the program."

"I want to help make the next generation of fundraisers better."

"I am always grateful to be engaged with fundraising professionals at different points in their careers. It energizes me, and helps me to be a better leader and fund raiser."



Congratulations, 2024 Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows!
Kirsten Adgate, Vista Maria
Catie Bargerstock, City Year Detroit
LaTrell Bell, Michigan Science Center
Nadia Calloway, Matrix Human Services
Anell Eccleston, Student Advocacy Center of Michigan
Kelly Farrell, Detroit Artists Market
Phil Gilchrist, Advancing Macomb
Allison Gowan, Leader Dogs for the Blind
Paul Green, Make Food Not Waste
Nikki Hartley, The Senior Alliance
Erin Kreutzberg, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
BethAnne Kunert, MSU College of Music/Community Music School Detroit
Danielle Love, Oakland Literacy Council
Miranda Marras, Accounting Aid Society
Michaele McAvoy, CARE House of Oakland County
Karla Mitchell, Changing Lives and Staying Sober (C.L.A.S.S.)
Lulu Nestor, Freedom House Detroit
Jessica Nichols, Crossroads for Youth DBA Camp Oakland
Heather Perez, Michigan Humane
Jennifer Presley, WSU School of Social Work
Keyanna Silverman, Detroit Community Wealth Fund
Bethany Simmerlein, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Tiffany Treadwell , Wayne State University
Jess VandenBoom, PACE Southeast Michigan
Julie Wekenmann, Michigan Humane


Thank You, 2024 Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows Mentors!
Stephanie Maurice Beason, Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology
Ida Benson, Self-employed
Kristin Benton, Wayne State University
Marc Berke, Autism Alliance of Michigan
Danielle Blasko, Academy of the Sacred Heart
Paula Brown, Zaman International
Bobie Clement, Marts&Lundy
Jennifer Dale, Angela Hospice
Miah Davis, Detroit Artists Market
Sommer Dawson (Brock), Accent Pontiac
Tanya Griffith, U-M
Ashleigh Imerman, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
George Jackson, Michigan Science Center
Elizabeth Klos, Detroit Institute of Arts
Peter Poulos, Retired nonprofit professional
Paula Rodriguez, Henry Ford Health - Wyandotte Hospital
Kristin Rossi, Michigan Parkinson Foundation
Nina Sapp, Detroit Institute of Arts
Eileen Savage, Cranbrook Educational Community
Regina Sharma, Detroit Justice Center
Meredith Smalstig, American Thoracic Society
Katja Thomakos, Cranbrook Educational Community
Tracy Utech, Wayne State University
Audrey Walker, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Jamie Westrick, Michigan Humane