AFP Memphis Conference

Keynote Speaker 
Dr. Rosalyn Nichols

Dr. Nichols is a native of Memphis, TN and proud to have graduated with honors from the historic Booker T. Washington High School and LeMoyne Owen College.  In May 1996 Dr. Nichols graduated summa cum laude from the Memphis Theological Seminary and in 2004 she received her Doctor of Ministry degree from the historically black Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA.

On Sun., Nov 4, 2001, with a small group of family and friends, Dr. Nichols organized Freedom’s Chapel Christian Church (DOC).  Through innovative worship and bible based teaching, Freedom’s Chapel Christian Church (DOC) is called and committed to making disciples of those who are unconnected to and disconnected from the life affirming and life transforming relationship with Jesus and His Church.

In August 2018 Dr. Nichols formed, A More Excellent Way, LLC, a consulting firm and from Sept 2018-Jan 2020 consulted as Operations Strategist for the Historic Clayborn Temple.

Dr. Nichols has received numerous awards, is a Memphis Leadership Graduate, a member of the NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter.  Her writings have been featured in numerous articles and books.

Dr. Nichols deepest passionate is teaching, preaching, transformational ministry and working with others who strive in common practices for the beloved community of God.

Birgit Smith Burton 
Executive Director of Foundation Relations
Georgia Institute of Technology

What if I Say the Wrong Thing?

The future of the fundraising profession is in jeopardy simply because we anticipate losing over 80,000 practitioners by 2030.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the fundraising profession is growing by 10 – 15% between 2018 and 2028.  Because racism and lack of diversity are serious issues we face in our sector, we need to think about how we attract and retain diverse professionals ensuring that we fill a respectable percentage of these vacancies with individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.  We can start by learning to stop and think about how to be more aware and sensitive to others.

What if I Say the Wrong thing? By Verna Myers is a book that helps readers explore their own personal diversity journey. It includes “25 habits for culturally-effective people” that can help everyone move diversity forward. During this session we will take a deep dive into a few of the 25 habits.  Reading the book ahead of the presentation is not required.  The presentation includes anonymous polls, some storytelling, and time permitting, an opportunity for a few participants to share their own experiences.

Marcy Heim, President
Artful Asker LLC

Asking for Good – Fear Less, Do More. Artfully getting to an inspired, “Yes!”

Asking for Good knows no best time, or perfect time. The opportunities to connect those with a passion for doing good, with the good they can do, is a continuous opportunity! Fear is crippling and blocks our progress. Embrace tools to manage your fear and free you to do more. Fundraisers, board and volunteers can be empowered to boldly and confidently ask for partnerships, participation, sponsorships, financial gifts and much more. What exactly do you say to inspire an enthusiastic yes for the good you want to influence in the world? Join professional speaker, author and leadership coach, Marcy Heim, to fear less and do more to ask for good. 

Anthony R. Alonso, President
Catapult Fundraising

BONUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR

Lessons Learned about the Annual Fund During a Worldwide Crisis

In this webinar Anthony will discuss the tools and techniques you should use to maximize communication efforts with your donors, especially during times where face-to-face visits are not always an option. Cultivation is key for the long-term sustainability of your annual fund, so make the most of a multi-channel strategy that incorporates email, direct mail, phone, text, and social media solicitations!