Day of Education

Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Daemen University
Excitement is building for this year’s Day of Education—an event designed to inspire, educate, and connect like never before! Mark your calendar and get ready to learn from top industry leaders in the philanthropic world. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity!

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AFP WNY Day of Education Schedule

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration, Networking, and Vendor Exhibition - Social Room

9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Sponsor Presentations - Social Room

9:35 - 11:35 a.m. Facilitated Education Tracks - - Social Room, Alumni Lounge, RIC 101 (2 hours)

11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch /Vendor Exhibition - Social Room

12:30 - 12:50 p.m. Sponsor Presentation and Activities

1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Facilitated Education Tracks - - Social Room, Alumni Lounge, RIC 101 (1 and a half hours)

2:30 - 3:45 p.m. Semi-Structured Networking/Discussion Activities - Social Room

3:50 - 4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks - Social Room

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour - Social Room (Bar opens, networking continues for those who’d like to stay)

Our Tracks:

Ben Mohler, M.A., CFRE, ACFRE

"Transforming Your Vision: Build a Winning Fundraising Roadmap"

Presented by Ben Mohler, M.A., CFRE, ACFRE

Transforming Your Vision: Build a Winning Fundraising Roadmap

Unlock your organization's full potential for philanthropy by joining this hands-on experience. Together we’ll assess your organization's current state, identify effective strategies, and align your fundraising goals with actionable plans. We'll use industry trends and practical tools to help guide the journey from strategic vision to a realistic roadmap.

Ben Mohler, M.A., CFRE, ACFRE is the chief executive of GivingThree. Prior to this he served in key advancement roles for Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Eastern Kentucky University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and The University of Texas at Austin. Mohler has served previously on the ACFRE Credentialing Board and chair of the AFP/Wiley Publishing Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the AHP Journal Advisory Council, Apra International Conference Planning Committee, and the boards of both AFP Global and United Way of Kentucky.

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"Seeds for the Future: Growing Your Legacy Giving Program"

Presented by Lisa M. Chmiola sponsored by WNY Planned Giving Consortium

Lisa M. Chmiola, M.S., CFRE, CSPG has 23 years’ experience in philanthropic development. Currently the Assistant Vice President of Development for Loyola University New Orleans, she has served in major gifts and gift planning roles in education (public and private) and religious institutions, following initial career experience in event-based philanthropy. She also serves as the Chief Fablanthropist for Fablanthropy (the intersection of fabulous and philanthropy), working with nonprofit organizations and fundraising professionals providing consulting, training, and coaching services, particularly on legacy giving strategies.

An AFP Certified Facilitator since 2014 and TEDx speaker, Lisa has presented at five AFP International Conferences, and a variety of AFP and other industry association regional conferences, chapter meetings, and webinars. Lisa is an active volunteer, serving as Vice Chair of External Relations on the AFP Global Board, as a past National Association of Charitable Gift Planners board member (and past president of the Houston chapter), as a Junior League sustainer, and is a graduate of Leadership Houston. Additionally, she has co-authored several pieces for AFP’s Advancing Philanthropy magazine.

Lisa M. Chmiola, M.S., CFRE, CSPG

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Anna Schlia, Founder and Lead Consultant

at Brightside Philanthropy

h"Doing Less and Raising More"

Presented by Anna Schlia

Anna Schlia is a Ph.D. student at the University of Rochester studying Philanthropy and Education. Through her work as a consultant, frontline fundraiser, and researcher of donor behavior, Anna brings an understanding of the intricacies of nonprofit institutions and the individuals who support them. As a fundraiser with 18 years of experience, Anna excels at principal and major gifts, crafting collaborative proposal strategies, building effective programs, and leading solicitation teams to success.

Anna is a recognized presenter in the fundraising arena on topics related to donor motivation, fundraising ethics, and research-based stewardship practices. Anna holds a Masters of Education in Institutional Advancement from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and has a B.A. from Loyola University New Orleans. She lives in Rochester, NY with her family and volunteers with the Alliance for the Great Lakes.