Interview with Isabel Callaway – AFP/ICON – May 2025
What inspired you to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship, and how did it feel to be selected as this year’s recipient from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter?
Fundraising is new to me. I was highly encouraged at my office to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship, and I felt very fortunate and grateful for this tremendous opportunity to advance my new career.
· What were some of the most impactful sessions, themes, or conversations you experienced at AFP ICON, and how do you see them shaping your work in fundraising?
The AFP/ICON Conference 2025 offered an incredible number of resources, learning opportunities and peer-to-peer advice. I made efforts to attend as many sessions as possible, as well as to purposefully network with many great people in the fundraising community. There were several key points that impacted me about my own role at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. The session about Donor Development and “The 12-week Fast Track Plan for the Full Year” was very important since it provides a simple system to stay on track with the development plan. I also attended a couple of sessions regarding donor retention and the importance of creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written documents outlining the specific steps required to consistently complete a task in every stage of the fundraising cycle.
· Were there any unexpected moments or networking connections at ICON that left a lasting impression on you? I was impressed every day by the level of professionalism with which the conference was handled. I connected with several interesting colleagues who were surprisingly open and willing to share their insight and best practices ideas. I made valuable connections, in California and out-of-state with peers in similar fields. My most inspiring moment was attending guest speaker, Jose Hernandez’s speech (USA Astronaut) He is living proof of the determination to achieve what others may see as impossible. Commitment and determination are powerful tools to have!
· What advice would you give to future Chamberlain Scholars or first-time AFP ICON attendees?
Be open to hearing from everyone around you. Every person has something to share. Take good notes, ask questions, attend as many sessions as possible and network with lots of people. Share your knowledge and experience, even if it comes from a different field. Do not shy away because you are new to fundraising. Many skills are transferable. Get involved, do not be silent, grab the microphone and ask questions. Pay attention about how to transfer your current skills to become a great fundraiser. Do not waste this one-of-a-kind experience!
· How has being a member of the AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter supported your professional growth?
The AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter has been incredibly supportive in my first year as Director of Development at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. There is always a new learning opportunity offered in the AFP Calendar, and there are so many experienced people ready to give a hand to keep us going and growing, so we can provide a better service to our organization, our donors, and our community.
I am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity which I recommend to anyone who may be interested in joining the AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties