September Professional Development | From Awareness to Action: Advancing IDEA in Fundraising and Nonprofit Leadership
The slides from this program are available to download as PDF here.
Join Rochelle Jerry, a seasoned nonprofit leader and fundraiser, AFP Global Board Member & IDEA Committee Chair, for a timely and empowering session on the role of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) in shaping the future of philanthropy. Through compelling data, historical context, and actionable strategies, this session will explore how fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and AFP chapters can be catalysts for lasting, systemic change.
Together, we’ll unpack the history of IDEA in America and within AFP, confront current challenges in the fundraising profession, and highlight innovative practices that prioritize equity and inclusion. Whether your chapter is just beginning or deepening its IDEA journey, this session offers the clarity, tools, and courage to lead with purpose and impact.
Outcomes for Attendees:
- Gain historical insight into the roots and evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the U.S. and the nonprofit sector.
- Understand the current state of IDEA in fundraising, including key data, trends, and systemic challenges.
- Explore best practices from AFP Global and local chapters for prioritizing and implementing IDEA strategies.
- Learn how to lead courageous conversations and build inclusive cultures within your organization or AFP chapter.
- Walk away with practical action steps to support IDEA initiatives in fundraising, governance, and community engagement.
- Connect with tools and resources including AFP Global’s IDEA materials, affinity groups, and accessibility toolkit to support ongoing efforts.
Catered lunch is included in your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.
Zoom attendees should plan to join at 11:45 a.m. via the email you receive on Wednesday morning.
Presented by Rochelle Jerry, CFRM. Rochelle is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience specializing in strategic and fundraising development. Her expertise spans grant writing, board leadership, governance, and volunteer engagement. Throughout her career, she has served prominent organizations in leadership roles, such as American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians (AADEP), Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Society of Surgical Oncology/ The Society of Surgical Oncology Foundation (SSO/SSOF), American Society of Plastic Surgeons/The Plastic Surgery Foundation (ASPS/PSF), Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE), and the Indy Arts Council (IAC) raising over $16.1M of new operating funds.
She is the CEO & Co-Founder of Jerry Consulting Group, adjunct faculty member of Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Rochelle holds a B.A. in Marketing from DePaul University where she pursued graduate studies in Nonprofit Management. She has further enhanced her expertise with executive
leadership and fundraising development education from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy The Fund Raising School and earned her Certification in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) as well as a Digital Marketing Science Certification from Indiana Wesleyan University. This certification acknowledges the successful completion of the Google Analytics Certification, the Google Ads Search Certification, and the HubSpot Email Marketing Certification.
This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners.
