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2025 One Day Conference Sessions and SpeakersBreakfast Keynote- Leading with Purpose in a Changing SectorAFP Global President Board Chair Roger Ali will lead attendees in a candid and inspiring conversation about the future of fundraising, including evolving challenges, emerging opportunities, and steps we can all take to ensure fundraisers and organizations thrive. Click Here to View the Presentation Slides
Lunch Keynote- The Unshakable Why: Authentic Impact in Uncertain TimesThis open, honest conversation with Ian Forber-Platt, MSW will offer practical, evidence-based ideas to embrace vulnerability, prioritize self-care, and recognize that everyone plays a crucial role in building a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector. Get ready to leave with renewed purpose and actionable strategies for rallying support, leveraging resources, and fighting for what's right in your own vital work. Click Here to Read About Ian Forber-Pratt
10:10am-11:10am Breakout SessionsSteady at the Helm: Guiding Your Nonprofit Through Turbulent Times Sponsored By Children's Emergency Relief International Nonprofit executives are often called to make tough decisions in the face of limited resources, shifting community needs, and external pressures beyond their control. This panel brings together seasoned EDs and CEOs to share candid insights on how they’ve navigated crises, balanced competing priorities, and led their organizations with resilience and clarity. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, attendees will gain tools to strengthen their own decision-making frameworks, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and chart a path forward even in the most challenging times. Speakers: Amelia Long (Central Texas Food Bank) *Moderator*, Ami Kane (Forest Steward's Guild), Joel Rice (Ascension Seton), and Sari Vatske (Central Texas Food Bank) From Dollars to Decisions: Financial Strategies That Strengthen Nonprofit Impact Sponsored By CAPTRUST When it comes to major gifts and shifting revenue streams, financial leadership can make or break an organization’s long-term sustainability. In this candid conversation, a seasoned finance executive will join nonprofit leaders to share real-world examples of how financial strategy directly connects to mission success. Together, they’ll explore:
Designed for CEOs, CFOs, and CDOs, this session will offer both inspiration and practical insights to strengthen financial stewardship, build donor trust, and prepare your organization to thrive in a changing philanthropic landscape. Speakers: Stacy Armijo (Amplify Credit Union) *Moderator*, Carmine Salvucci (Beacon Nonprofit Consulting), Aimeé Sánchez (National Domestic Violence Hotline), and Reihaneh Hajibeigi (American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas) Positioned for Partnership: Making Your Nonprofit Corporate Ready
What do companies look for when considering nonprofit partnerships? Many organizations assume the answer is simply “a good cause,” but in reality, businesses weigh factors like structure, expectations, business opportunities, and the value of their involvement. In this session, we’ll explore what makes companies say yes to partnership — and how nonprofits of any size can position themselves for that “yes.” Drawing from lessons learned building corporate volunteer programs and sponsorships, we’ll tackle key questions like:
Attendees at every experience level will gain practical tools to assess their corporate readiness, set clear expectations, leverage their unique strengths, and begin building partnerships that deliver lasting value. This session is appropriate for volunteers, CEOs/EDs, fundraising professionals, volunteer management professionals, and program staff. Speaker: Jared Montes Slack (I Live Here I Give Here)
Click Here to View the Presentation SlidesThe Retention Games: May the Donors Be Ever in Your Favor
Sponsored By AvidAI
In a world where every click, stream, and scroll is personalized, donors expect more than a generic thank-you and a quarterly newsletter. They want to be seen, heard, and valued. But many nonprofits are unintentionally ghosting their own supporters.This session reveals the surprising data behind donor retention—and what the top-performing organizations are doing differently. Spoiler: It’s not about flashy appeals or perfectly designed emails. It’s about treating donors like humans. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how to retain more donors by improving your welcome experience, writing like a person (not a brand), and sending the right message at the right time—all based on real-world data from 91 organizations.This isn’t theory. It’s a wake-up call to do the small things that actually make a big difference. By the end of this session, you’ll understand the following:
Speaker: Erik Tomalis (AvidAI)
Click Here to View the Presentation Slides11:20am-12:20pm Breakout SessionsWhat Great Boards Do Differently What it means to be a great board member, especially when it comes to fundraising Amazing boards don’t just happen - they’re built. This session explores what sets top fundraising boards apart, from recruitment and onboarding to development plans, the fundraising committee, role in events/campaigns and stewardship, and challenges such as leadership transitions. Experienced panelists from Greater Austin boards will share practical strategies and tools to help you strengthen board engagement, no matter your level or experience as a fundraiser. Speakers: Mollie O'Hara Leach (Beacon Nonprofit Consulting) *Moderator*, Andrew Esparaza (Community Advocate), Carolyn Long (Community Volunteer and Philanthropist), and Dana Such (Squeezed Consulting) Treat Your Funders Like Investors Funders are not just generous supporters—they are partners in your mission. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to shift your mindset and engagement strategies to treat major donors more like investors. We'll explore how to build meaningful relationships based on shared values, impact, and accountability—just like an investor expects when backing a venture. Participants will gain tools to communicate your organization's vision and outcomes in ways that resonate with high-capacity donors, foster long-term commitment, and inspire transformational gifts. From crafting compelling cases for support to delivering transparent impact reporting, this session will equip you with practical strategies to elevate your major donor program. Key Takeaways:
Speakers: Christian Lozano (Fundraising and Communications Consultant) *Moderator*, Catherine (Herter) Ervin (St. Andrew's Episcopal School), Audrey Ponzio Rodriguez (APC Collective), Ashley Thompson (Fidelity Charitable), Bessy Martinez (The Latina Foundation) Unlocking AI for Nonprofits: Practical Tools to Amplify Your Mission Sponsored by GrantAppli Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool nonprofits can use today to save time, expand reach, and strengthen impact. In this engaging panel, sector leaders will share real-world applications of AI, from donor prospecting and marketing to grant writing, policy templates, and even facilitating board conversations. Whether you’re curious about where to begin or eager to deepen your knowledge, this session will equip you with practical strategies, resources, and talking points to bring back to your team. Walk away inspired and ready to leverage AI as a partner in advancing your mission. Speakers: LLyas Salahud-din (GrantAppli) *Moderator*, Alicia Guerrero (Con Mi MADRE), Andre Patterson (Cloudera), Erik Tomalis (AvidAI), Richard North (Intel Corporation), Tauva A. Montás Colón (First Day Foundation) The Fin-velopment Frontier: Aligning Fundraising and Financial Strategy Have you ever felt like you've gotten your fundraising goal without understanding the larger picture behind the number? How does that goal factor into your organization's budget and cash-flow and...are those even different things? Does it matter if you hit your goal through multi-year pledges or by bringing in cash? Do you understand your organization's audit and what your role is in it? If you've ever found yourself asking these questions and wondering if the money you are raising meets the needs of your organization, join us for a candid conversation on how to better partner with your finance team from the experts who have sat on both sides of the table. We'll cover the basics: reading financial reports, telling a story with financial documents, and explore ways that you can implement a smarter fundraising strategy when you know what is really behind your goal number. You'll walk away from this session with the knowledge and tools to effectively engage with your finance team and recommendations on how to level up your collective work. Speakers: Jazmine Leon-Wing (Compass Rose Public Schools), Megan Stone (FirstGen Forward), Ruth Snell (Armanino)
2:15pm-3:15pm Breakout SessionsReimagining Board Recruitment that Represents Community Sponsored by Giant Squid Group This workshop provides tips and best practices on how to prepare for a new recruitment plan that centers community engagement and representation. Learn about simple steps you could be doing now in order to plan ahead in creating a new recruitment plan for your board. Participants will have a better understanding on why one plan may not be enough for your recruiting needs and where you can start to create sustainable representation for your organization. Speaker: Mando Rayo (The New Philanthropists) Click Here to View the Presentation Slides
Leading Up, Down, and Across: Navigating Leadership at Every Stage of Your Career Sponsored by TANGO and NFP Leadership doesn’t just flow from the top, it’s about influencing, advocating, and building trust in every direction. Whether you’re managing a team, collaborating with peers, or navigating relationships with senior leaders, effective leadership requires self-awareness, communication, and courage. This session will explore strategies for leading “up, down, and across” your organization, while also making space to advocate for your own growth. Speakers: Heather Henry (National Domestic Violence Hotline), Daphne McDole (African American Leadership Institute), Angela Glode (Texas State University), and Katie Jones (National Domestic Violence Hotline) Beyond the Check: Maximizing Corporate Engagement for Mission Impact Sponsored By Heather Parsons Consulting Corporate partnerships are about more than financial contributions. Companies today are eager to connect with nonprofits in ways that align with their values, employees, and communities. In this session, we’ll explore strategies to deepen corporate engagement beyond traditional sponsorships—tapping into opportunities like budget underwriting, employee volunteerism, board service, and more. Learn how to build mutually beneficial relationships that not only bring in resources but also create lasting champions for your mission. Key Takeaways:
Speakers: Beth Krueger (ABC Home & Commercial Services) Headlines with Heart: Leveraging Media Partnerships to Amplify Your Mission Made Possible By the Austin Business Journal In today’s crowded information landscape, nonprofits must do more than great work—they must also tell great stories. This panel brings together seasoned media professionals and nonprofit leaders to explore how strategic partnerships with the press can elevate your organization’s visibility, credibility, and impact. From crafting compelling narratives to building long-term relationships with journalists, you’ll gain insider insights into how to break through the noise, earn meaningful coverage, and inspire deeper community support. Key Objectives:
3:25pm-4:25pm Breakout SessionsMobilizing Volunteers as Mission Champions Volunteers are more than just extra hands, they are powerful advocates, storytellers, and champions of your mission. In this session, we’ll explore how to strategically engage volunteers not only in service roles, but as long-term ambassadors who drive awareness, fundraising, and community support. Our panel of nonprofit leaders will share strategies and tips for cultivating meaningful volunteer experiences, building lasting relationships, and equipping supporters to amplify your organization’s impact. Whether you’re working with a small team or a large network, you'll leave with practical tools to transform volunteers into passionate champions for your cause. Speakers: Jasmine White (Central Texas Food Bank) *Moderator*, Brittany Yelverton (Girls Empowerment Network), Jared Montes Slack (I Live Here I Give Here), and Nigel Fuentes (Urban Roots) Uncertainty Ain’t My First Rodeo: Strategic Leadership in a Shifting Nonprofit Landscape Sponsored By CCS Fundraising Join us for an engaging session on leading with vision in today’s unpredictable nonprofit environment. As organizations face shifting priorities, staffing challenges, and evolving community needs, it can be difficult to keep long-term goals on track while addressing urgent demands. We’ll explore practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, maintaining organizational focus, and adapting plans when realities change. Through data-driven insights, real-world case studies from Austin and across Texas, and guided group discussion, participants will gain actionable approaches to strengthen their teams, address leadership gaps, and make strategic decisions that support both immediate and long-term priorities. Walk away with fresh ideas, peer-tested strategies, and the confidence to lead your organization forward — even in uncertain times.
Learning Objectives:
Speakers: Christina Tatum (CCS Fundraising) and Claire Seifert (CCS Fundraising) Click Here to View the Presentation SlidesRecurring Giving Made Simple: Plan, Launch, Grow Sponsored By BetterUnite Recurring giving is more than just a fundraising strategy, it’s about building a community of loyal supporters who believe in your mission. This session will help you unlock the power of monthly giving to deepen donor relationships, create predictable revenue, and fuel long-term impact. Learn how to start strong, keep momentum, and reimagine recurring giving programs that need a fresh spark. Speaker: Ray Blue (Blue Crow Consulting) Click Here to View the Presentation Slides |