Marion Drake
AFPNEO VP of Professional Development
Director of Advancement, Walsh Jesuit High School
What made you decide to join AFPNEO? Over the last few years, AFPNEO has been beneficial for my continuing education and helped me grow my professional network. Once I started to work on my CFRE, I felt it was essential to become more involved and that committee work could only increase my knowledge and skills that would translate into my non-profit work. My work on the Professional Development Committee has helped expand my industry knowledge, allows me to collaborate and learn from my peers, and has allowed me to pay it forward in a sense. As a board member, I can contribute in a greater way and sharpen my leadership skills by heading a committee.
Favorite part of working in fundraising? No other industry allows you to create meaningful relationships with philanthropists and change-makers and be a part of their impact on the community. To see that impact firsthand through the lens of our clients is immeasurable.
Favorite experience with AFPNEO so far? My favorite experience with AFPNEO has been working with such an engaged committee and strengthening my connections with others in the industry.
If you could give your younger self any advice about the fundraising profession, what would it be? Be bold and confident in your organization's mission, and not be afraid to ask a donor to be a part of that mission. Once I learned that sometimes a donor is just waiting for someone to ask, I now worry that I would insult someone if I didn't.
What are your hobbies outside of work and fundraising? My husband and I love to travel and visit new places. I also enjoy cooking and entertaining.