Meet Nicole

 It is such an honor to have the opportunity to apply for the R.I.S.E Fund Scholarship.  This $2,000 grant will be such a blessing and essential for the next steps that I would like to take in my career. Currently, I work for an amazing organization with a powerful legacy, however the access to funding and resources for professional development are not as readily available to me as they were at other organizations that I have worked for. It is for that reason that I have put off attending conferences and pursuing my CFRE Certification. It wasn’t until a dear colleague of friend told me about this scholarship that my desire was reignited.  

With a little over eight years of experience in fundraising, I truly believe it is the time for me to pursue my CFRE. I am strategic, hardworking, and genuine in my relationship building. I would like to remain in advancement and fundraising for the remainder of my career and this certification will afford me the opportunity to do so. 

There has been a continuing progression of my fundraising roles throughout the past eight years. Beginning my career serving as a coordinator in Planned Giving, promoted to Assistant Director of Development for Clinical Major Gifts. I then transitioned from Healthcare fundraising to Higher Ed fundraising, serving as the Associate Director of Donor Engagement, Director of Regional Advancement and currently serving as the Director of Development for Humanities and Social Sciences and the Arts. As you can see, fundraising is where I remain to stay, contribute and grow. 

How do you intend to use the funds?

Again, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to submit this application. As mentioned before, the goal is to use these funds for applying for the CFRE Certification and attending a conference – hopefully AADO in 2023.