Fundraising Forward: Strategies for Thriving amid Government Budget Cuts

Amanda Dempster serves as a Director of Partner Engagement at International Justice Mission (IJM), where she works closely with partners to steward them in their journey toward meaningful engagement in the organization’s mission of protecting people in poverty from violence. Amanda holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from Shiloh University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology/Anthropology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She is a former student in the Boston University Certificate in Professional Fundraising Program and now is an instructor. Her background in ministry and education is a strong foundation for philanthropy, as she enjoys walking alongside donors and discovering their passions and interests.

Neida Jimenez is the Director of Development at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where she leads fundraising initiatives and alumni engagement efforts to advance the school’s strategic priorities. With over two decades of experience in higher education advancement, she has held leadership roles at institutions including Harvard Business School, Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Neida is also the founder of the Diverse Professionals in Advancement Collective and has served as Program Co-Chair for the CASE District I Conference, reflecting her commitment to equity and professional development in the fundraising field. ​She has recently joined the teaching team at Metropolitan College at BU as a part of the Certificate in Professional Fundraising Program.

Theresa Lee serves as the chief development officer at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, where she leads membership and fundraising strategies to foster community engagement and philanthropic support. Since joining the Garden in 2020, she has played a pivotal role in advancing its mission, drawing on her extensive experience in advancement roles at institutions such as MIT, Boston College, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and UMass Lowell. A native of Portland, Maine, Theresa has been an instructor for Boston University’s Professional Fundraising Program for over five years.

Adele Mezher is the co-founder and managing partner of Pearl Street Collective, an award-winning executive search and talent strategy firm serving the nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors. With over thirty years of experience in executive search, she specializes in advancement and development, guiding organizations through leadership transitions and talent strategies. A certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter, Adele is also an instructor for Boston University’s Professional Fundraising Program and actively mentors emerging professionals in the social sector.

Jon Schaffrath is the senior director of development strategic initiatives at Harvard Business School, where he leads fundraising efforts and donor engagement strategies for their alumni entrepreneurs. With nearly two decades of experience at HBS, he has advanced through various development roles, contributing significantly to the school’s philanthropic initiatives. Beyond his work at HBS, Jon shares his expertise as an instructor in Boston University’s Professional Fundraising Program, mentoring emerging professionals in the nonprofit sector.

Wendy Woolfork is the Founder and CEO of The Purpose Walk, a consultancy dedicated to transforming workplace cultures through strategic leadership development and behavioral science. With over two decades of experience in human resources leadership, she specializes in helping organizations build engaged, resilient, and inclusive teams. Wendy also serves as a Senior Advisor at Pearl Street Collective, where she supports mission-driven organizations in navigating complex cultural and organizational challenges.

Kelsey Temple is an experienced enrollment and academic advisor specializing in master’s and continuing education programs. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago and is dedicated to guiding students towards achieving their academic and professional goals.

Elizabeth Jones is an experienced education professional with over 15 years of experience in the field. Based in Pensacola, FL, she is dedicated to helping students succeed and providing effective support throughout their academic journeys. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida—Go Ospreys!