speakers

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*Sessions and speakers subject to change. Additional speakers may be added at a later date. Speaker information is provided by the speaker.

Roger Ali, MBA, CFRE, CFRE, MBA, C. Dir (Chartered Director)

Photo of Roger Ali, MBA, CFRE

With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Roger D. Ali specializes in: Governance, Major and Principal Gifts, and Campaign Counsel. Some of his previous experience has included: President & CEO, Niagara Health Foundation, Vice, President, Development, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation and Executive Director, Bishop Strathan School Foundation. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and currently serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global; where he is Chair-Elect.

Session

How to engage your board in fundraising
Get your answers here! This session is for Senior Leaders (EDs, DoDs, Board): Ask your most important questions about how to engage your board in the fundraising process either through special projects or capital campaigns. Pick the minds of some of the most successful and knowledgeable leaders in

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Strategic

From Talk to Walk: Building a Diverse Donor Base through Authentic Partnerships (Presented by the Alford Group)
Forget "donor engagement" myths. The time has come to build authentic partnerships with donors of color, whose passion and dedication can transform your organization. This session isn't just about buzzwords - it's about actionable strategies from experts and donors themselves.   Learn how to:   Go beyond tokenism: Discover effective ways to identify and connect with diverse donors on their terms and values.   Break down the barriers: Create an inclusive environment that fosters genuine engagement and is rooted in trust and mutual respect.   Spark lasting commitment: Hear firsthand from donors on what ignites their passion and fuels their giving.   Come join us in creating a movement, not just a moment by discovering how to create a sustainable relationship model that embraces the power of diverse voices in driving meaningful change for your organization’s mission and making the world a better place for ALL people.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Kimberley Blease

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Blakely - Executive Vice President, Strategic Solutions and Consultancy

When it comes to building high-value donor relationships, Kimberley’s original thinking is unparalleled. With over 38 years of experience, Kimberley is a fundraiser and marketer, and sought after speaker on the topics of high value giving, planned giving, legacy and trends in the sector. Kimberley’s passion for high value donor development has led to the creation of new products and solutions for the sector, and the launch of Blakely’s thought leadership platform – The Exchange Hub.

Session

Thinking Big Around Legacy Giving for Growth & Long-term Connection
Legacy marketing is about a values connection and understanding donor needs/motivations. This session will provide new insights into how to make these valuable connections, what is working to inspire people to take action and how you can harness the power of legacy to grow your programs and deepen relationships.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Marie-Helene Boubane, CFRE

Photo of Marie-Helene Boubane
Amnesty International Canada - Director of Fundraising

Marie-Hélène was promoted to Director of Fundraising in July 2022. She previously worked at MSF (Doctors Without Borders) and CARE Canada. And has worked in several fundraising positions from Direct Mail, Monthly Giving to Major Gifts. In the last year, the legacy program revenue at Amnesty was the highest ever for the organization, a 306% increase over 2020 and a 129% increase over 2019.

Session

Nine Simple Ideas to Increase Your Legacy Gifts
Finding your best legacy prospects can be challenging and time consuming. In this session, you’ll learn about simple solutions that you can implement that will have you spending less time searching and more time converting legacy prospects into legacy donors.

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Applied

Helen (Hyo-Kyung) Choi, CFRE

Photo of Helen (Hyo-Kyung) Choi
HC & Associates - Principal

Helen Hyo-Kyung Choi is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She is a dynamic, empathetic and experienced community builder and speaker. She is also a leading public relations consultant to nonprofits, public sector organizations and socially conscious driven for-profit enterprises. She is a strong advocate for compassion, generosity and thoughtful investment in causes related to vulnerable women and children. In total, she has raised over $15 million dollars through her consultancy.

Session

Becoming a Changemaker: How Fundraisers are Positioned for Advancing Equity
Fundraisers are changemakers. We identify issues, make connections, generate support, and solve problems. These attributes make fundraisers well-positioned for leadership roles helping advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in our organizations at any level. This session will share personal stories, identify skills and provide resources for your IDEA success.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Tracey Church, MA, AFP Master Trainer, MLIS

Photo of Tracey Church
Tracey Church & Associates - Principal, Researcher & Consultant

A professional researcher for over 25 years, Tracey has worked with over 400 organizations. She was Founding President of AFP London & Region and is current Chair, IDEA & EMC Committees. Tracey is the Co-Editor & Contributor to APRA’s ”Prospect Research in Canada” book. Tracey teaches the Prospect Research in Fundraising course in Western University’s MLIS program; received the inaugural APRA Canada Excellence in Prospect Research Award; and, is an AFP Certified Master Trainer.

Session

Fill your Prospect Pipeline: Internal and External Methods to Finding Your Next Major Gift Donors
Internally, your next individual major gift donor is probably already connected to your organization. Understand how you can mine your database to develop your pipeline of major gift donors. Externally, what happens if there is still a gap? Discover resources “out there” to identify viable major donors to your organization.

Education Track: Current and Prospective Donor Research

Audience: Applied

Eli Clarke

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McMaster University - Manager, Estate Giving & Legacy Planning

Everyone deserves an education, regardless of financial background and access to education creates a more just and equitable world. As Manager, Estate Giving and Legacy Planning at McMaster University, Eli aligns opportunities to support students with donor’s philanthropic interests. Prior to McMaster, Eli was a Senior Development Officer, Gift Planning at the University of Toronto after overseeing the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s legacy giving program.

Session

So, You’re Thinking About Leadership?
Being a fundraiser doesn’t prepare you to be a leader. Often though, career advancement only comes from moving into a leadership role. Join an interactive workshop to identify the skills needed to advance, how to prepare for a leadership role, and what to do once you get there.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Mojdeh Cox

Photo of Mojdeh Cox
Cox And Co. - Principle

Mojdeh Cox brings people together to have challenging conversations around complex issues, develop and execute action plans. For over a decade, Mojdeh has coached organizational and community leaders, businesses and not-for-profit organizations re-imagining their work through heightened equity lens'. Mojdeh speaks, writes and provides media commentary on issues impacting communities.

Session

Women’s Leadership Journeys: Success in the face of organizational design, diversity and imposed imposter syndrome
Using a storytelling style, join in the conversation of common leadership challenges as four women reflect on their journeys to executive C-suite roles, attaining success for their organization and their careers.     Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Meena Das

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NamasteData

Meena Das (she/her/hers) is the founder, consultant, and facilitator at her practices NamasteData and Data Is For Everyone. NamasteData is focused on advancing data equity for nonprofits and social impact agencies. Meena specializes in designing and teaching equitable research tools and analyzing engagement. She supports nonprofits in 3 core areas: data collection assessments, community surveys, and, staff workshops on improving data equity (through data collection, visualization, human-centric algorithms etc.)

Session

Data-Driven Do-Gooders: Unleash Your Nonprofit's Superpowers with Data
Achieve fundraising success with data-driven decision making! Join Maggie Dubyk and Meena Das for expert insights on using data to set and measure achievable goals, understand donor behavior, and more. Get real-life examples of how nonprofits have used data to succeed and level up your nonprofit game!

Education Track: Current and Prospective Donor Research

Audience: Applied

Nancy Dossous, CFRE

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McGill University Health Centre Foundation - Director, Development

Nancy Perry Dossous, CFRE, stands on a decade of impactful non-profit experience, propelled by her dedication to cultivating relationships that drive inclusion and disrupt inequity. As the Director of Development at the McGill University Health Foundation in Montreal, Quebec, Nancy advocates for health equity. Her commitment extends to service on the Boards of the Welcome Collective and AFP Canada.

Session

Sway the Doubters: Change the Narrative for Professional Fundraising
The Narrative has helped participants engage about our profession with board members, colleagues and yes, that relative at the dinner table. This session will arm you with the tools and information you need to help you better articulate the importance and relevance of your work to the public, the media, your boss, your board, to those pesky relatives who still haven't quite figured it out, and perhaps most importantly, your donors. Initiated by AFP Canada this session reflects learnings from prior trainings and current events.

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Strategic

Vincent Duckworth, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer

Photo of Vincent Duckworth
ViTreo Group Inc. - President & CEO

Vincent Duckworth is the President and CEO of ViTreo and the Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada. Vincent has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for more than two decades. He is internationally recognized as a leading expert on campaign design, strategy and major gift performance. He is also Canada’s authority on philanthropic naming.

Session

Dare to Lead: Becoming a volunteer leader for AFP
Becoming an AFP volunteer leader is an important and decisive step in your fundraising career. And it is much more than just your time, your energy, and your ideas. Join us as we share our leadership journey and (hopefully) inspire you on yours.

Education Track: Volunteer Involvement

Audience: Strategic

Leah Eustace, ACFRE

Photo of Leah Eustace
University Of Ottawa - Executive Director, Advancement

Leah is the Executive Director of Advancement for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Prior to joining the University, Leah spent almost two decades as a consultant working with non-profit clients to raise 100s of millions of dollars for causes all around the world. Leah is also active in shaping the non-profit landscape. She’s past chair and a current member of the ACFRE Credentialing Board.

Session

With a great story comes great responsibility: A case study of ethical and trauma-informed storytelling
Join this session to learn about creating space, safety and equity in storytelling with vulnerable populations. Using the YWCA Regina’s capital campaign as a case study, we’ll discuss telling truthful and accurate stories while ensuring the dignity of all involved.   Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Applied

Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA

Photo of Sammy Feilchenfeld
Volunteer Toronto - Manager, Learning

As Manager of Learning, Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA designs and oversees Volunteer Toronto’s responsive and accessible learning experiences for non-profit engagement professionals, grassroots leaders and volunteer seekers. With a strong focus on diverse educational interventions that support the changing needs in volunteerism, Sammy also develops training for aspiring and established non-profit Board Members.

Session

Learning from the Present to Prepare for the Future of Volunteer Engagement
The modern volunteer is changing. Are you ready to change with them? Join us to explore the past, present and future of volunteer engagement in an interactive session packed with tips for meaningful community engagement and tools to advocate for successful volunteer participation.

Education Track: Volunteer Involvement

Audience: Applied

Ryan Garnett, CFRE

Photo of Ryan Garnett
Harvey McKinnon Associates - Head of Integrated Marketing

Ryan is an experienced consultant with more than 10 years of experience helping non-profits raise more money for their causes. At Harvey McKinnon Associates, he’s the Head of Integrated Marketing and helps clients develop strategies for integrating their efforts through all channels including direct mail, telemarketing, e-mail, and social media. Ryan has been a speaker at a number of fundraising conferences/events including the AFP Congress, AHP International Conference, and the CAGP Conference.

Session

Nine Simple Ideas to Increase Your Legacy Gifts
Finding your best legacy prospects can be challenging and time consuming. In this session, you’ll learn about simple solutions that you can implement that will have you spending less time searching and more time converting legacy prospects into legacy donors.

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Applied

Ana Flavia Godoi, MBA

Photo of Ana Flavia Godoi
Women In Fundraising - Founder and CEO

She is the founder of Women in Fundraising, providing hands-on, comprehensive fundraising leadership for female fundraisers around the world. For 12 years she was on Brazilian Fundraising Association’s board. Ana has over 25 years of experience in fundraising for non-profits and foundations, focusing on strategic and development planning, major and corporate gifts. During pandemic, she raised 36 millions dollars and helped more than 500 NGOs to develop better negotiation techniques.

Session

Less Attrition, More Funds Recipes to Improve Stewardship and Philanthropic Culture From Donors and Boards
Dynamic, Intercultural, and Practical Session, Presented by speakers from Brazil and Mexico. Less Attrition, More Funds Recipes to Improve Stewardship and Philanthropic Culture From Donors and Boards will be the essential message. The importance of the key concepts of leadership, philanthropic culture, and stewardship will also be reviewed to overcome burnout and be successful in the fundraising plan.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Jessica Gordon

Photo of Jessica Gordon
YWCA Canada - Indigenous Relations Director/Accountability Partner

Jessica Gordon is Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw from Pasqua First Nation, Treaty 4. She is one of the four founders of the global, Idle No More movement. At YWCA Regina, Jessica is leading the organization through instrumental change in how it offers its programming at all levels, working to dismantle the systemic colonialism in the organization's history. Her activism, knowledge, and guidance is instrumental in forging a decolonized future on Turtle Island.

Session

With a great story comes great responsibility: A case study of ethical and trauma-informed storytelling
Join this session to learn about creating space, safety and equity in storytelling with vulnerable populations. Using the YWCA Regina’s capital campaign as a case study, we’ll discuss telling truthful and accurate stories while ensuring the dignity of all involved.   Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Applied

Lori Guenther Reesor, PhD

Photo of Lori Guenther Reesor
Lori Guenther Reesor - Principal

Dr. Lori Guenther Reesor (B. Math, MTS, DMin) is an expert in Christian giving (although Mennonites tremble at using the word ‘expert’ to describe themselves!) She asked Christian donors about their giving during a church basement research tour of Canada. She is delighted that her book, Growing a Generous Church: A Year in the Life of Peach Blossom Church is the only theology book with an illustration of a snowblower!

Session

Faith, Fundraising, & Death - 3 traditions, unlimited questions
A trio of Jewish, Muslim and Christian fundraisers explain what you need to know about legacies giving plus customs about death and giving. Bring your questions, there are no dumb ones! A safe space to talk about death, faith and money is a gift we offer to the fundraising community.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Maliha Hasan, MBA

Photo of Maliha Hasan
University Of Toronto - Director, Foundation Relations

Maliha Hasan is currently Director Foundation Relations at University of Toronto. She has +12 years of experience across corporate, multilateral and not-for-profit organizations in roles spanning fundraising, resource mobilization, external relations and project management. Maliha has an MBA and in 2021, she was a part of AFP IDEA/Blackbaud Emerging Leaders Program.

Session

Building Healthy Relationships Inside Your Organization to Best Serve Donors
When it comes to relationship management, fundraisers often focus on prospects and donors. Equally as important is building relationships with colleagues inside your organization to best serve your donors. In this session, we’ll explore how best to manage relationships with supervisors, program staff, and board members to maximize mission impact.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Delphine Hasle, CFRE

Photo of Delphine Hasle
Perley Health Foundation - Executive Director

Delphine Hasle is a motivated professional, adept and experienced in setting philanthropic strategies and performance measures from annual programs through to capital campaigns. As Executive Director of Perley Health, she has extensive experience with operational and financial management and reporting at the C-Suite and Boardroom levels. She is at her best when working as a conduit between the donor and the institution.

Session

The Journey from 2 to 10 Million: Capital Campaigns and Identity
The Perley Health Foundation undertook – in a timespan of 3 years – a rebrand, a new vision for the organization and launched a $10 Million dollar Capital Campaign that dwarfs their typical annual $2 Million goal. Attend to hear the seven leadership learnings from a leader and executive coach.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Strategic

Women’s Leadership Journeys: Success in the face of organizational design, diversity and imposed imposter syndrome
Using a storytelling style, join in the conversation of common leadership challenges as four women reflect on their journeys to executive C-suite roles, attaining success for their organization and their careers.     Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Rachel Hunnybun

Photo of Rachel Hunnybun
Blakely - Director, Strategic Solutions

Rachel is a fundraising professional with over a decade of experience working for UK charities in Individual Giving & Supporter Experience. Through her role at Blakely Inc she now works with US and Canadian charities and is passionate about helping charities deliver a great donor experience. She speaks internationally, served as a commissioner for the UK’s Commission on Donor Experience and is a member of the institute of fundraising.

Session

Thinking Big Around Legacy Giving for Growth & Long-term Connection
Legacy marketing is about a values connection and understanding donor needs/motivations. This session will provide new insights into how to make these valuable connections, what is working to inspire people to take action and how you can harness the power of legacy to grow your programs and deepen relationships.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

George Irish, MA

Photo of George Irish
Amnesty International Canada - Digital Strategist

George Irish is a seasoned digital fundraising strategist and technologist, with 25 years of experience advising nonprofits and charities in Canada, US, and globally. He currently leads digital strategy and fundraising innovation at Amnesty International Canada. As a fundraising data strategist and tech developer, he explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and machine learning, to revolutionize fundraising. George shares insights on the synergy between fundraising and AI at FundraisingwithAI.com

Session

De-Mystifying AI: Making sense of ChatGPT and Fundraising in the Age of AI
What do nonprofit leaders need to know about AI and how it’s re-shaping fundraising? What have we learned so far, and what's on the road ahead? Join me for a walkthrough of the big questions facing fundraising leaders after an exciting first year of fundraising with Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Strategic

Kasandra James

Photo of Kasandra James
Volunteer Toronto - Director, Programs

Kasandra James (she/her) is Volunteer Toronto’s Director of Programs. Kasandra provides strategic leadership of the organization’s programs, services and events that connect Toronto’s diverse volunteer-seekers with community organizations and volunteer programs that need them. Since joining Volunteer Toronto in 2015, Kasandra has used her experience and expertise in non-profit and volunteer management, community development and program design to support capacity building efforts in hundreds of organizations across Ontario.

Session

Learning from the Present to Prepare for the Future of Volunteer Engagement
The modern volunteer is changing. Are you ready to change with them? Join us to explore the past, present and future of volunteer engagement in an interactive session packed with tips for meaningful community engagement and tools to advocate for successful volunteer participation.

Education Track: Volunteer Involvement

Audience: Applied

Jas Jhooty, MA

Photo of Jas Jhooty
Independent - Consultant

As a consultant, Jas helps charities realize the power of their own donor data and tell the story behind it. Using data audits/analytics, donor journey mapping, storytelling, and a multi-channel approach, Jas helps charities keep the donors they have. She has over 15 years of monthly giving expertise including monthly acquisition, conversion, reactivation, and upgrades through email, digital, direct mail, telefundraising, DRTV, telethons, radiothons, and face-to-face/door-to-door.

Session

Hidden Gold: How Monthly Giving will build donor loyalty and improve donor retention
Join Harvey McKinnon, author of three books on monthly giving and one of North America's leading experts on the subject, and Jas Jhooty, who led one of the largest monthly giving programs in Canada and learn how to create lifelong donors through recurring giving

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Applied

Afshaan Kohari

Photo of Afshaan Kohari
Dalla Lana School Of Public Health, University Of Toronto - Director of Advancement

Afshaan thrives on building strong, authentic relationships. Her work experience includes mid-level and major gift fundraising, gift implementation and volunteer engagement. She is passionate about continuous learning and inclusive leadership. She describes herself as a big picture thinker and facilitator of valuable conversations that drive impact and bring about change. Currently she is Director of Advancement for the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.

Session

So, You’re Thinking About Leadership?
Being a fundraiser doesn’t prepare you to be a leader. Often though, career advancement only comes from moving into a leadership role. Join an interactive workshop to identify the skills needed to advance, how to prepare for a leadership role, and what to do once you get there.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Rickesh Lakhani, CFRE, MBA

Photo of Rickesh Lakhani
Radiance Advisory - Lead Consultant

Rickesh Lakhani believes that we are all responsible for each other’s success. He is the Founder of Radiance Advisory, supporting social impact organizations and leaders to align their actions with their values and build stronger cultures based on truth and trust. He has over 15 years of experience in the social impact sector, including serving as the Executive Director at a community-based organization and as the Development Director leading an $8M annual fundraising campaign.

Session

Moving Toward Equitable Futures: A CCF Panel
In this panel discussion, Rachel D’Souza will facilitate a spirited and informative discussion with members of the CCF Global Council to explore learnings from and experiences in the movement, and how including CCF’s core principles in your organization’s fundraising strategy can lead to larger contributions and more committed donors/funders.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Breaking the Silence: Confronting Anti-Black Racism in AFP
Join this session with the Co-Conspirators, a group of racial justice activists who supported Nneka Allen, Mide Akerewusi, and Múthoní Karíukí in their pursuit of racial justice. This session will provide an overview of the obstacles, risks, and learnings in the Co-Conspirators quest for accountability from the AFP-GTC chapter. The session will explore the group’s calls to action designed to catalyze institutional and systemic change. In February 2023, this group of 16 individuals became co-conspirators through a commitment to their relationship with Nneka Allen and a desire to amplify and share the impact that Nneka, Mide, and Muthoni's experiences of anti-Black racism as board members at AFP-GTC had, and the subsequent failure to address those concerns. The Co-Conspirators united in a shared mission, to demand repair; acknowledgment, restitution and closure by the perpetrators of harm and AFP-GTC. From the beginning of this journey, the mission was clear - to ensure that Nneka, Mide, and Muthoni's experiences with anti-Black racism as members of AFP were illuminated. For too long, the experiences of anti-Black racism in the fundraising sector have been minimized or actively suppressed. In order for the sector to change, the Co-Conspirators pushed these stories to the forefront, to force one of the most powerful voices in the sector to reconcile with its racist history. The focus was on the voices of Black fundraisers, lifting up their stories, to call for a genuine apology and change. During this session, the Co-Conspirators will vulnerably share their personal experiences navigating this transformative movement. Gain insight into what they have learned in this struggle, hear the collective barriers they faced, and the individual challenges encountered while standing against injustice. Join us in unpacking this movement in the making from the perspective of these change-makers and discover how they are reshaping the narrative for a more equitable and just charitable sector.

Audience: Introductory/Foundational

Flavia Lang, MBA

Photo of Flavia Lang
Tools4Change Brasil - Managing Partner

Flavia is a curious and creative fundraising entrepreneur who helps NGOs to connect and develop meaningful relationship with individual donors. With entrepreneurial vision, creative leadership to inspire and engage teams to overcome challenges and goals, empowerment management style, the desire to turn the impossible possible, and a successful record in opening, restructuring, expansion and exponential growth of NPO. She is also a cofounder of Women in Fundraising Brazil.

Session

Less Attrition, More Funds Recipes to Improve Stewardship and Philanthropic Culture From Donors and Boards
Dynamic, Intercultural, and Practical Session, Presented by speakers from Brazil and Mexico. Less Attrition, More Funds Recipes to Improve Stewardship and Philanthropic Culture From Donors and Boards will be the essential message. The importance of the key concepts of leadership, philanthropic culture, and stewardship will also be reviewed to overcome burnout and be successful in the fundraising plan.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Chelsey Lemke, CFRE

Photo of Chelsey Lemke
YWCA Regina - Senior Director of Development, Marketing, Communications and Capital Campaign Director.

Chelsey Lemke, CFRE, is the Senior Director of Development for YWCA Regina, and is finishing up a $25 million capital campaign for YWCA Regina Centre for Women and Families. Prior to the YWCA, Chelsey held the position of Manager of Major Gifts with Habitat for Humanity Regina. Currently, she is President of the AFP South Saskatchewan Chapter.

Session

With a great story comes great responsibility: A case study of ethical and trauma-informed storytelling
Join this session to learn about creating space, safety and equity in storytelling with vulnerable populations. Using the YWCA Regina’s capital campaign as a case study, we’ll discuss telling truthful and accurate stories while ensuring the dignity of all involved.   Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Applied

Emma Lewzey, CFRE

Photo of Emma Lewzey
Blue Sky Philanthropy - CEO

Emma Lewzey is an award-winning fundraising expert with 25 years experience raising millions of dollars across the arts, education, health and human services sectors. She’s the founder and lead consultant at Blue Sky Philanthropy, where she works with nonprofits to increase their impact and exceed their fundraising goals by helping them raise more 5, 6 and 7-figure donations. Emma is an active leader, mentor, and proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Session

Stepping Out to Fit In: How diverse consultants are reaching success on their own terms
Sometimes the best way to change the system is from the outside. From this panel you’ll hear from a diverse group of fundraisers who found more alignment, freedom, and success working as consultants. Understand how they incorporated their identities into their work to show up authentically as their whole selves.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Strategic

Salomão Lima, MBA

Photo of Salomão Lima
IOS - The Institute For Social Opportunity - Head of Development and Institutional Relations

DEI Consultant and Head of Development at The Institute for Social Opportunity, a Brazilian nonprofit focused on education for underserved youths. Experienced in fundraising for internationally recognized nonprofits, including World Vision, Brasscom (Brazilian Association of Information Technology Companies), and United Nations Global Compact. UN Young Professional Pioneer Award finalist. MBA in International Relations and executive certifications in LGBTQI+ Leadership from Stanford University (USA) and Queen’s University (Canada), and Political Leadership at George Washington University (Brazil).

Session

Using the Power of Connections and Influence in Global Corporate Fundraising
Social initiatives are increasing within corporations due to the ESG agenda. Learn how to define the best strategies of relationship building and maintenance to connect your cause with businesses and make your nonprofit part of the impact companies want to generate. Corporate fundraising is waiting for you!

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Sana Mahboob

Photo of Sana Mahboob
Government Of Canada - Senior Advisor

Sana Mahboob is an enormous advocate for the communities she serves, a seasoned speaker across the globe, and a morning show guest in Pakistan. Sana continues to serve on local, national, and international Boards. With over a decade of diverse experiences, Sana has a transparent and truthful discussion style, and as an immigrant to Canada, she brings a diverse perspective and passion to everything she does professionally, and personally.

Session

Continuing the Conversation on being an Equitable, Inclusive, Diverse Leader
To take on the biggest problems, all need to lead in an inclusive, diverse and equitable manner. This session will focus on the leadership skills you need for personal and professional success. These diverse leaders on the panel live their lives with IDEA everyday. Learn how you can as well!

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Eryn-Faye Mallone, MSc, LLB., Msc., LLB.

Photo of Eryn-Faye Mallone, MSc, LLB.
NeuroImprints - Behavioural Scientist

A behavioural scientist with an insatiable curiosity about what makes people give money away, Eryn-Faye Mallone is the CEO of NeuroImprints. She specializes in taking donor segmentation, cultivation, and stewardship to new levels by integrating psychosocial profiling, neurodesign, and other research-based techniques. Eryn-Faye holds a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience from King’s College London (England) as well as a law degree from the University of Glasgow (Scotland).

Session

Hacking Human Wetware - The Art and Science of Neurophilanthropy
wet·ware (n): the brain, especially respecting computational capabilities and decision-making processes. Eric and Eryn-Faye will leverage their combined 40 years of work, education, and hundreds of millions of dollars raised to help you explore the emerging field of neurophilanthropy, the confluence of neuroscience, psychology, and sociology within fundraising.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Harvey McKinnon, AFP Master Trainer

Photo of Harvey McKinnon
Harvey McKinnon Associates - President

Harvey McKinnon is recognized as one of North America’s leading fundraising experts. He has delivered fundraising keynotes at conferences around the world and is a frequent master-class trainer. He has authored five books –most recently a third book on monthly giving: How to Create Lifelong Donors. His best-selling book, The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks, is a major gift training manual for fundraising departments throughout the US and Canada.

Session

Hidden Gold: How Monthly Giving will build donor loyalty and improve donor retention
Join Harvey McKinnon, author of three books on monthly giving and one of North America's leading experts on the subject, and Jas Jhooty, who led one of the largest monthly giving programs in Canada and learn how to create lifelong donors through recurring giving

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Applied

Andrea McManus, CFRE

Photo of Andrea McManus

To Come

Session

The New AFP Code of Ethics-Understanding and Using it.
  Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the future of the AFP Code of Ethical Standards and Principles. The new Code will feature a renewed focus on inclusivity and today’s fundraising environment. “The Code is subject to change and approval by the AFP Global Ethics Committee and AFP Global Board of Directors.” Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Applied

Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, PhD, CEC

Photo of Jenny Mitchell
Chavender - Founder and CEO

Chavender’s vision is to help more people do more good. Founder and president of Chavender, Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Before completing her CFRE, Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits.

Session

The Journey from 2 to 10 Million: Capital Campaigns and Identity
The Perley Health Foundation undertook – in a timespan of 3 years – a rebrand, a new vision for the organization and launched a $10 Million dollar Capital Campaign that dwarfs their typical annual $2 Million goal. Attend to hear the seven leadership learnings from a leader and executive coach.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Strategic

Heather Nelson, CFRE, MBA

Photo of Heather Nelson
BridgeRaise - President and Founder

Heather Nelson is founder and president at corporate fundraising consultancy, BridgeRaise. Heather started her career in program management and fundraising at small nonprofits and for 15+ years has focused on corporate partnership. She has supported 100s of charities raise money from companies by prioritizing aligned values. Heather holds her MBA from Schulich School of Business and is a certified fundraising executive. She is an experienced teacher having taught Introduction to Fundraising at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Session

Corporate Partnership: Handling the Hard Questions
Exclusivity, removing company logos and saying no to employee volunteerism are just a few challenging conversations that charities have with their corporate partners regularly. Learn the mindset and approach you need to tackle these conversations and using real-world examples, we will define a clear approach to respond.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Sarah Nielsen

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Relativ Impact - Managing Director

Sarah Nielsen is the Managing Director of Relativ Impact, an impact solutions provider serving purpose-driven organizations in over forty countries. She has experienced in multiple levels and areas of social sector management including fundraising, communications, impact measurement, and project development. Sarah completed post-graduate studies in fundraising management and international development in Canada before working in development roles across Southern Africa.

Session

Manage and measure your impact as a strategic asset
Do you want to leverage your environmental and social impact to mobilize resources more effectively? Are you looking to measure and communicate your current impact better? In this session, we will help you create impact management plans that engage your stakeholders, meaningfully measure outcomes, and strengthen your fundraising strategies.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Elisabeth Noble, CFRE

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Canadian Alliance To End Homelessness - Philanthropy Lead

Elisabeth Noble, CFRE is the Philanthropy and Campaign Lead at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. She has raised millions of dollars for social, cultural and environmental organizations in the USA and Canada. She holds a BFA from Concordia University and is dedicated to exploring the way that culture, storytelling, music and art can act as critical levers in solving the world's intersecting crises.

Session

Cultivating Abundance - Big Gifts for Small Shops
Can small nonprofits raise major gifts? You bet! Let's break down the taboos surrounding money and explore cultivating a mindset of abundance. You'll leave with the confidence you need and the practical steps of how to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts.

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Introductory/Foundational

Irshad Osman, MBA

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University Of Toronto - Senior Development Officer

Imam Irshad Osman (MSc, CFRE) is an Imam by training and a fundraiser by profession. He has worked and studied on three continents. Passionate about inclusive philanthropy. Supporter of international, and educational causes. He has participated in the Fellowship in Inclusion & Philanthropy, Interfaith Innovation Fellowship project, and KAICIID International Inter-religious Fellowship. Speaker and advocate for social justice, true inclusion, anti-hate, anti-racism, etc.

Session

Faith, Fundraising, & Death - 3 traditions, unlimited questions
A trio of Jewish, Muslim and Christian fundraisers explain what you need to know about legacies giving plus customs about death and giving. Bring your questions, there are no dumb ones! A safe space to talk about death, faith and money is a gift we offer to the fundraising community.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Holly H. Paulin, CFRE

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Broccoli - Partner

Holly H. Paulin, CFRE has been a professional fundraiser for over 20 years. She’s equally passionate about emotional storytelling and good data analytics, and strongly believes that the best fundraising happens at their intersection. After working as both a front-line fundraiser and a consultant, Holly co-founded Broccoli in 2021. She is a graduate of Humber’s Fundraising program, holds a B.Sc. from Mount Allison University, and served as Co-Chair of AFP Ottawa’s 2021 Fundraising Day conference.

Session

How to Create a Donor Newsletter That Raises Money
Donor newsletters can play a key role in your annual (and legacy!) fundraising strategies. Join Holly to learn how to plan and execute all the details of a newsletter appeal, how and when to integrate digital with print, what data to track, and get inspired by lots of real-life examples!

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Introductory/Foundational

Ligia Pena, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, M.Sc.

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GlobetrottingFundraiser - International Legacy Consultant

Ligia Peña, CFRE is President of GlobetrottingFundraiser, specializing in helping charities develop & implement their fundraising and legacy strategy. She's also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kent, researching national legacy marketing campaigns. As an AFP Master Trainer, she’s trained countless fundraisers around the globe. She's a sought-after and seasoned international presenter who enjoys sharing her knowledge and empowering nonprofits professionals to think about legacies differently by daring to be creative and innovative.

Session

Engaging Meaningfully with Donors Through a Gift in Will Pipeline
Donor engagement is key to fundraising success yet charities fail to meaningfully engage with its most loyal, long-term donors, resulting in dwindling legacy programs. This research and data-driven deep dive will teach how to create love-filled marketing and engagement activities for every stage of your gift in wills pipeline.

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Applied

Culture Shock: Understanding Death Rituals and Superstitions in a Diverse World
In today’s culturally aware society, having rich legacy conversations with donors requires understanding their customs and superstitions surrounding death and dying. This session will cover some of the main diaspora cultures in North America so you can feel better prepared to engage with donors in a culturally-sensitive way about legacies.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

From Click to Impact: Enhancing Your Online Donation Journey (Presented by Bloomerang)
Imagine if your nonprofit could retain just 10% more recurring givers than the industry average. Not only would this boost your fundraising efforts and help you reach your goals, but achieving this is as simple as focusing on online giving tools and best practices.   During this panel discussion, we will explore insights from Bloomerang’s Donor Experience Report. This report analyzed the online giving interactions of over 300 nonprofits, where we made $25 donations to various organizations across the U.S. and carefully monitored the outcomes. We will provide practical advice on enhancing your donation process, optimizing your landing page, crafting impactful receipt emails, perfecting your thank yous, and executing effective follow-up strategies.

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Applied

Justin Pilon

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Huron University College - Associate Vice President, Advancement

Justin Pilon is the Associate Vice President, Advancement at Huron Unviersity College, an affiliate of the University of Western Ontario dedicated to educating Leaders with Heart. With over 10 years of experience in higher-education philanthropy, Justin is a passionate facilitator of conversations that help donors and organizations achieve their philanthropic and fundraising goals and create opportunities for students to pursue a world-class education. Justin is the Past Chair of the London Ontario Chapter of CAGP.

Session

So, You’re Thinking About Leadership?
Being a fundraiser doesn’t prepare you to be a leader. Often though, career advancement only comes from moving into a leadership role. Join an interactive workshop to identify the skills needed to advance, how to prepare for a leadership role, and what to do once you get there.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

Naomi Racette

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NIB Trust Fund - Executive Director

Naomi Racette is a Cree/Métis from Saskatchewan. As Executive Director of the NIB Trust Fund, the largest funding organization of Indigenous peoples in Canada, she has been granting funds to self-determined projects addressing the harms of residential schools. A relationship builder, Naomi is proud of the strong financial management and leadership established at the Trust Fund. Naomi is inspired every day by survivors, elders, youth, communities, and organizations, moving forward grounded in traditional ways.

Session

Strategies for Indigenous Engagement in Fundraising: Lessons Learned and Shared
Learn how to collaborate effectively with Indigenous peoples, communities, and donors by exploring the largest fundraising campaign for First Nations Peoples in Canada. Discover strategies for aligning donor and indigenous objectives through building relationships based on trust, centering Indigenous voices, and mindful messaging to make a positive impact together.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Liz Rejman

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Liz Rejman + Co. - Fundraising Operations Consultant

Liz Rejman has spent 25 years working in the fundraising profession in a variety of sectors. She has presented on the topics of leadership, ethics, fundraising operations, prospect development, data management, effective meetings, and recruitment and selection, at numerous conferences. Liz is a past President of Apra. She is contributor to the book “The Vigilant Fundraiser” and co-editor and contributor to the book "Prospect Research in Canada: An Essential Guide for Researchers and Fundraisers".

Session

Fill your Prospect Pipeline: Internal and External Methods to Finding Your Next Major Gift Donors
Internally, your next individual major gift donor is probably already connected to your organization. Understand how you can mine your database to develop your pipeline of major gift donors. Externally, what happens if there is still a gap? Discover resources “out there” to identify viable major donors to your organization.

Education Track: Current and Prospective Donor Research

Audience: Applied

Ruane Remy, MJ (Master of Journalism)

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Toronto Metropolitan University - Communications Officer

Ruane Remy is experienced at crafting persuasive narratives that inspire donors to give millions of dollars to fund innovation and equity in health care, medical research, and leading education. She specializes in developing proposals, grants, and cases for support, which have been key in securing gifts as generous as $50 million-plus. Her experience in advancement communications spans supporting higher education at Toronto Metropolitan University and top Canadian hospitals at University Health Network through UHN Foundation.

Session

Write and Wrong: Developing Million Dollar-plus Proposals
Proposal structure, wording and imagery could motivate some donors to give to your organization, and cause others to take their generosity elsewhere. We will discuss inspiring with emotion and justifying with logic, including the steps to take and the ones to avoid when your goal is securing a significant gift.

Education Track: Securing the Gift

Audience: Introductory/Foundational

Ann Rosenfield, CFRE, MBA

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Temple Sinai Congregation Of Toronto - Chief Development Officer

Ann has won awards in 5 domains of fundraising from 5 different assocations. She is the only person to be part of the winning team for the Mo Davies Award for Excellence in Small Charity Fundraising for 2 different charities - as an ED and as a Board leader. She is proud to have volunteered with Rainbow Railroad and Outright get their starts in fundraising.

Session

Faith, Fundraising, & Death - 3 traditions, unlimited questions
A trio of Jewish, Muslim and Christian fundraisers explain what you need to know about legacies giving plus customs about death and giving. Bring your questions, there are no dumb ones! A safe space to talk about death, faith and money is a gift we offer to the fundraising community.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Applied

Tanya Rumble, CFRE, MPNL (MA)

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Toronto Metropolitan University - Executive Director of Development, Faculty of Arts

Tanya Rumble, CFRE is a fundraising leader who has raised millions for some of Canada's largest charities. Tanya is passionate about IDEA; and power and privilege and how these intersect with philanthropy. Tanya holds an Honours BA in Political Science from McMaster, a Graduate Certificate in Marketing Communications at NYU, and Master Philanthropy Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University; she is also a graduate of the AFP Inclusion and Philanthropy Fellowship, and DiverseCity Fellowship.

Session

Using an Equity Lens to Create Gift Acceptance Policies
Gift acceptance policies are one of the foundational documents that help guide donor relationships. It is time to rethink gift acceptance policies and practices to examine how they can be an agent of change, and a tool for educating donors on your organization’s values which include equity, reconciliation, and diversity.   Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Strategic

AFP Government Advocacy in Canada
Nearly a quarter of Canadians expect to access charitable services to meet essential needs (Ipsos, Oct 2024). The importance of a thriving, productive charitable sector in our country has never been more important. Members of AFP in Canada play a crucial role to ensure the relationship with the Federal Government is effective and enables fundraising to thrive. Join this session to understand the current landscape, key issues and how you can join AFP to advocate for the charitable sector in Canada.

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Strategic

Sherry Schaefer, MHS

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CapitalCare Foundation - Director, Foundation and Community Engagement

With 35 years in leadership, Sherry has devoted her skills to mentorship programs, and leadership development. Focusing on team building, communication and business relationship skillsets, she has helped many new leaders hone in on their skills and assets. Sherry attributes her success within healthcare to her ability and learned skills in negotiation, leveraging, and focused networking. lead amazing teams, committed to the goals of the organization and succeed at incredible outcomes.

Session

Women’s Leadership Journeys: Success in the face of organizational design, diversity and imposed imposter syndrome
Using a storytelling style, join in the conversation of common leadership challenges as four women reflect on their journeys to executive C-suite roles, attaining success for their organization and their careers.     Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Applied

George Stanois

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BNP GOLDIE Canada - Senior Vice President

George began his fundraising career in 1984 with an international consulting firm and joined The Goldie Company in 1996. In 2020, Goldie merged with BNP Philanthropic to form BNP Goldie Canada. George has a consistent record of developing innovative solutions to fundraising challenges, exceeding expectations and forging long-term relationships. He has conducted numerous studies and led scores of successful campaigns for a wide range of nonprofit organizations from coast to coast.

Session

2022 Stewardship Survey Results: Sharing Best Practices
After this session you will: Understand the strategies used to ensure the success of donor stewardship programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll also be aware of the challenges faced by stewardship programs and what hasn't worked. And the most effective strategies and approaches by sector of activity.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Strategic

Teresa Vasilopoulos, CFRE, MBA

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The WoodGreen Foundation - Executive Director

Teresa Vasilopoulos is a seasoned Fundraising Executive with a proven track record of stellar performance in the planning and execution of multi-million dollar campaigns. She was responsible for the facilitation of the ground-breaking $50M gift from Myron and Berna Garron, the largest gift in Canada to a community hospital, at its time. A thoughtful and genuine fundraising professional, Teresa is focused on providing meaningful and authentic donor experiences.

Session

2022 Stewardship Survey Results: Sharing Best Practices
After this session you will: Understand the strategies used to ensure the success of donor stewardship programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll also be aware of the challenges faced by stewardship programs and what hasn't worked. And the most effective strategies and approaches by sector of activity.

Education Track: Relationship Building

Audience: Strategic

Joao Paulo Vergueiro

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GivingTuesday - Director

GivingTuesday Director for the Latin American and the Caribbean Hub. CEO of the Brazilian Fundraisers Association (ABCR) from 2015 to 2023. PhD student researching philanthropy and author of the book Economic Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations. Board member of the Brazilian charities Fundação Amor Horizontal, Fundação NHR Brasil and Kibô-no-Iê. CSR Professor and Alumni Manager at FECAP, Brazil.

Session

The fundraising profession taking over the world
Fundraisers, let's dominate the world! The fundraising profession is present in every continent of the world and in this session you will develop a global perspective of the profession, its ethics and career opportunities, with examples from Egypt, Brazil, Japan and other countries.

Education Track: Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Audience: Introductory/Foundational

Cindy Wagman, CFRE, MBA

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The Good Partnership Inc. - The Good Partnership Inc.

Cindy Wagman is the President and Founder of The Good Partnership, home to the Fractional Fundraising Movement. Cindy became a Certified Fundraising Executive in 2009 and received her MBA from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto in 2013.She is the host of the top-rated The Small Nonprofit podcast, and best-selling author of Raise It! The Reluctant Fundraiser’s Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul.

Session

Stepping Out to Fit In: How diverse consultants are reaching success on their own terms
Sometimes the best way to change the system is from the outside. From this panel you’ll hear from a diverse group of fundraisers who found more alignment, freedom, and success working as consultants. Understand how they incorporated their identities into their work to show up authentically as their whole selves.

Education Track: Leadership and Management

Audience: Strategic

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