Meet Annyce

Growing up, Annyce saw her mother dedicating her life to helping the community by being a supervisor of the WIC program providing services and resources to low-income and expecting mothers in Chicago. Those experiences gave her a spark that inspired her to also want to help disadvantaged communities. In high school, she was a participant of LINK Unlimited Scholars (LINK) in Chicago (a Black youth mentoring program). As a LINK scholar, Annyce was able experience personal and professional opportunities: test prep, interview prep, college tours, etc. Amazed at how LINK shaped her into who she is today, Annyce attended Lawrence University (c/o 2019) in Appleton, WI where she self-designed her major in Ethnic Studies focusing on Black youth mentorship. As a sophomore, Annyce was first introduced to the world of fundraising as Phonathon Student Caller and later manager. This space is where she learned the importance of relationship building, patience, and storytelling. As a student on student scholarships she enjoyed advocating for funds to go toward student scholarships. This was something Annyce wanted to do as a career as well as utilizing the knowledged gained within the Ethnic Studies program. In the program she learned about the institutions that are founded on racism and discrimination and exists to keep disadvantaged communities at a disadvantage. Intertwining both her fundraising skills with her Ethnic Studies background identified her personal philosophy of closing the opportunity gap for vulnerable communities. Curious to develop more into fundraising and nonprofit work, Annyce continued her education by attending Kean University in Union, NJ and received her Master’s of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management in May of 2021. Shortly after graduating, Annyce accepted her first full-time role as a Development Associate for the All Stars Project, Inc. managing the acknowledgment letter process and supporting the national fundraising operation. Outside of work, Annyce enjoys being a member of the Rooted Collaborative and learning best practices for self-care and wellness while also being in the company of many Black, Indigenious and other women of color fundraisers and social sector professionals.

How do you intend to use the funds?

The BSB RISE funds will allow me to immerse myself in the fundraising field in new ways. I am in my first full-time role as a Development Associate and it is my duty (with the encouragement of my supervisor, colleagues, and network) to find opportunities that will deepen my knowledge, understanding, and tools of the fundraising industry. With any knowledge gained, I plan to use it to help my organization enhance its’ practices as well as become more well-rounded in our understanding of this work. Personally, I hope to share the knowledge I gain to support other Black fundraising professionals to pay it forward, just as it was done for me with opportunities such as this fund.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.