Breaking the Silence Habit: Role of Advancement Leaders in the #MeToo Workplace        

Ready to get uncomfortable? In this interactive session, we will explore the role advancement leaders can play in building teams and organizations with the skills necessary to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of the roles managers and leaders can play in preventing sexual harassment in advancement and a set of practical tools to bring a skills-based approach to their own teams and organizations. 

Speaker:

• Sarah Pierson Beaulieu, Founder, The Uncomfortable Conversation, Inc.                   

 

Stop Lighting Yourself on Fire: Creating Boundaries at Work and at Home             

Laura Freebairn-Smith, organizational development expert, will explore the issues of boundaries we create and hold with others in our work and personal lives, and how those boundaries affect our well-being and our careers. Laura will guide the group to consider expectations, relationships, and rights and responsibilities. This session will help participants to develop a deeper understanding of the benefits and barriers in specific relationships as well as how to find the right work environment.             

Speaker:

• Laura Freebairn-Smith, Partner, Organizational Performance Group

 

Character, Substance and Authenticity: Becoming an Effective Leader

When stepping into new leadership opportunities, women may often feel as though they are making their leadership style up as they go, trying and failing, or impersonating what a leader “should” be. To become a strong leader one must act with integrity, communicate at a high-level, be decisive and authentic. Cultivating your leadership skills and developing authenticity requires you to improve your emotional intelligences, and showing that your actions match your values.

During this session you will focus on setting the foundation of your unique leadership presence. Participants will define their personalized leadership style and walk away a tool that will identify Core Leadership Values. This tool will help guide you in your own leadership practices as you engage daily with your team of co-workers.

Speakers:

• Diana M. Curran, M.P.A., Senior Director, Changing Our World, Inc.
• Mary Beth Martin, ESQ., Senior Managing Director, Changing Our World
• Karen E. Sharpe M.S., Director of Development - Leadership Giving, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

 

Multicultural and Global: Understanding Donor Perspectives and Experiences    

As university fundraisers, we work with highly diverse donor populations that are both multicultural and global, and philanthropy may be interpreted among them in varying ways. Our jobs as fundraising, alumni relations, and communications professionals are to bring those external perspectives into our institutions to put forward the right engagement strategies and proposals tailored to each individual donor. How can we gain a perspective on the experiences that shape their philanthropic values and build deeper relationships and sustainable engagement for our institutions?

Donor values, in general, are driven by life experiences that shape their individual and unique perspective on meaningful engagement and philanthropy. To understand the impact of those diverse experiences and how they impact giving and engagement, we need to examine our own assumptions, pre-conceived and inherent biases and apply best practices in order to uncover donor motivation.

The panel will provide strategies to discover donor perspectives illustrated with actual donor situations.  The panel will also include an interactive discussion in addition to presentations and provide a basis to work more effectively with diverse donors.

Panelists:

• James Murphy, Strategic Partner.  Advancement Resources Inc.     
• Endia DeCordova, Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives, University of Connecticut Foundation               

 

The Big Tent: Listening and Learning to Build Programs for Alumni of Color, LGBTQ+ Alumni               

Learn how Clark University embarked on a listening tour to learn from alumni of color and LGBTQ+ alumni about their experiences as students, relationships with the university, and interests in becoming more involved. Speakers will share the genesis for the project, how they built a 70-person task force, engaged alumni in the work, and are developing new programming, volunteer structures, and communication.      

Speakers:

• Kevin Wesley Executive, Director of Alumni and Friends Engagement and the Clark Fund, Clark University               
• Cindy Ironson, Associate Director of Alumni and Friends Engagement, Clark University

 

We're All in this Together: How to be a Workplace Ally

We’re committed to making the World of Advancement a place where everyone feels welcome and supported - both in and out of the workplace. Our panelists will share actionable insights that will help everyone from university leaders to those new to the field increase equity in their shop and beyond.

Allyship is part of being a great leader. In this session you will learn the definition of a workplace ally and discover the key-components, qualities, and characteristics that one must exhibit in order to be a good ally. You will be challenged to identify ways in which you, as leaders, can affect real change and make an impact. We will talk about different types of allies and which one best describes you and the role you can play in supporting your colleagues in beneficial ways to help advance and support them in their careers. Allyship is a practice that needs ongoing work and focus. The panel will make suggestions and recommendations on how to operate in solidarity as a workplace advocate and ally. As a practical “How to” the audience will develop their own three-point action plan as a take-away.

It takes all of us to have courage in order to create real change---so---bring along your colleagues and help us make strides towards creating a culture where everyone feels supported and empowered. “Where everyone feels supported, empowered and that they have a voice”

Speakers:

• Diana M. Curran, M.P.A., Senior Director, Changing Our World, Inc.
• Karen E. Sharpe M.S., Director of Development - Leadership Giving, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Gavan Mooney, President, Changing Our World

Personal Branding: More Substance Than Style

Are you a team player or a lone wolf? A problem solver or a problem child? These descriptors and more comprise your personal brand, and it’s up to you to intentionally create and maintain it. Your personal brand reflects what you’re known for (or would like to be known for) at work. In this session, you will learn the style and substance of personal branding, ways you can strengthen it, and pitfalls to avoid. As they say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” so you also will learn how to solicit candid feedback from your colleagues and supervisor about your personal brand. Participants will leave with both short- and long-term personal branding strategies that can be implemented at the conference and beyond.

Speakers:

•  Amy Bronson, Associate Vice President for Advancement Resources and Strategic Talent Management, Boston University
• Katrina Pereira, Human Resources Manager, The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology

 

Improv in the Workplace             

The principles of Improv, especially the foundational skills of "active listening" and "yes, and...," can help you get much more out of your conversations with donors, prospects, volunteers, and fellow colleagues.  Through this session, you will come to appreciate even more the importance of active listening.  You may even realize how much we often are not really listening at all when we think we are.  Additionally, through exercises in practicing, "yes...and," you will see the power of building on what another person has said through adopting a mindset of "and" rather than "but" or "no."        

Speaker:

• Alex Barber, Assistant Director, Events and Marketing Technologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology            

 

What's the Best Plan for You? Career Laddering and Career Latticing

As a new advancement professional, you have found a career that offers tremendous opportunity for growth, and along the way, you may discover other avenues and roles you did not previously consider. Your career may progress in interesting ways, and understanding the landscape, opportunities, and different responsibilities will help you navigate during your journey. You will learn how to advance your career as well as how each department overlaps with one another. You will leave with practical tips from industry experts and insights from other participants so you can set yourself up for success.

Speakers: 

• Stephen Rodriguez, Senior Director, Leadership Giving, Harvard University
• Danielle V. Auriemma, Director, Alumni Engagement, Harvard Medical School
• Lindsay Roth, Director of Direct Marketing and Participation, Brandeis University
• Theresa J. Lee, Senior Consultant, Responsive Fundraising

Pre-Conference Sessions: Breakout I

10 - 11 a.m.

Personal Branding: More Substance and Style

New to Educational Advancement Track

Are you a team player or a lone wolf? A problem solver or a problem child? These descriptors and more comprise your personal brand, and it’s up to you to intentionally create and maintain it. Your personal brand reflects what you’re known for (or would like to be known for) at work. In this session, you will learn the style and substance of personal branding, ways you can strengthen it, and pitfalls to avoid. As they say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” so you also will learn how to solicit candid feedback from your colleagues and supervisor about your personal brand. Participants will leave with both short- and long-term personal branding strategies that can be implemented at the conference and beyond.

Speakers:

•  Amy Bronson, Associate Vice President for Advancement Resources and Strategic Talent Management, Boston University
• Katrina Pereira, Human Resources Manager, The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Character, Substance and Authenticity: Becoming an Effective Leader

Women's Leadership Track

When stepping into new leadership opportunities, women may often feel as though they are making their leadership style up as they go, trying and failing, or impersonating what a leader “should” be. To become a strong leader one must act with integrity, communicate at a high-level, be decisive and authentic. Cultivating your leadership skills and developing authenticity requires you to improve your emotional intelligences, and showing that your actions match your values.

During this session you will focus on setting the foundation of your unique leadership presence. Participants will define their personalized leadership style and walk away a tool that will identify Core Leadership Values. This tool will help guide you in your own leadership practices as you engage daily with your team of co-workers.

Speakers:

• Diana M. Curran, M.P.A., Senior Director, Changing Our World, Inc.
• Mary Beth Martin, ESQ., Senior Managing Director, Changing Our World
• Karen E. Sharpe M.S., Director of Development - Leadership Giving, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The Big Tent: Listening and Learning to Build Programs for Alumni of Color, LGBTQ+ Alumni

Diversity and Inclusion Track

Learn how Clark University embarked on a listening tour to learn from alumni of color and LGBTQ+ alumni about their experiences as students, relationships with the university, and interests in becoming more involved. Speakers will share the genesis for the project, how they built a 70-person task force, engaged alumni in the work, and are developing new programming, volunteer structures, and communication.      

Speakers:

• Kevin Wesley Executive, Director of Alumni and Friends Engagement and the Clark Fund, Clark University
• Cindy Ironson, Associate Director of Alumni and Friends Engagement, Clark University

Networking Break

11 - 11:15 a.m.

Pre-Conference Sessions: Breakout II

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Multicultural and Global: Understanding Donor Perspectives and Experiences

Diversity and Inclusion Track

As university fundraisers, we work with highly diverse donor populations that are both multicultural and global, and philanthropy may be interpreted among them in varying ways. Our jobs as fundraising, alumni relations, and communications professionals are to bring those external perspectives into our institutions to put forward the right engagement strategies and proposals tailored to each individual donor. How can we gain a perspective on the experiences that shape their philanthropic values and build deeper relationships and sustainable engagement for our institutions?

Donor values, in general, are driven by life experiences that shape their individual and unique perspective on meaningful engagement and philanthropy. To understand the impact of those diverse experiences and how they impact giving and engagement, we need to examine our own assumptions, pre-conceived and inherent biases and apply best practices in order to uncover donor motivation.

The panel will provide strategies to discover donor perspectives illustrated with actual donor situations.  The panel will also include an interactive discussion in addition to presentations and provide a basis to work more effectively with diverse donors.

Speakers:

• James  Murphy, Strategic Partner.  Advancement Resources Inc.     
• Endia DeCordova, Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives, University of Connecticut Foundation       

Breaking the Silence Habit: Role of Advancement Leaders in the #MeToo Workplace

Women's Leadership Track

Ready to get uncomfortable? In this interactive session, we will explore the role advancement leaders can play in building teams and organizations with the skills necessary to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of the roles managers and leaders can play in preventing sexual harassment in advancement and a set of practical tools to bring a skills-based approach to their own teams and organizations. 

Speaker:

• Sarah Pierson Beaulieu, Founder, The Uncomfortable Conversation, Inc.                   

What's the Best Plan for You? Career Laddering and Career Latticing

New to Educational Advancement Track

Speakers: 

• Stephen Rodriguez, Senior Director, Leadership Giving, Harvard University
• Danielle V. Auriemma, Director, Alumni Engagement, Harvard Medical School
• Lindsay Roth, Director of Direct Marketing and Participation, Brandeis University
• Theresa J. Lee, Senior Consultant, Responsive Fundraising

Pre-Conference Sessions: Breakout III

12:30 - 1:15 p.m.

Pre-Conference Sessions: Breakout IV

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Stop Lighting Yourself on Fire - Creating Boundaries at Work and at Home

Women's Leadership Track

Laura Freebairn-Smith, organizational development expert, will explore the issues of boundaries we create and hold with others in our work and personal lives, and how those boundaries affect our well-being and our careers. Laura will guide the group to consider expectations, relationships, and rights and responsibilities. This session will help participants to develop a deeper understanding of the benefits and barriers in specific relationships as well as how to find the right work environment.             

Speaker:

• Kristina Ramsay, Alumni Officer, Global Networks, Concordia University

Improv in the Workplace: How the Principles of Improv Will Sharpen Your Advancement Skills

New to Educational Advancement Track

The principles of Improv, especially the foundational skills of "active listening" and "yes, and...," can help you get much more out of your conversations with donors, prospects, volunteers, and fellow colleagues.  Through this session, you will come to appreciate even more the importance of active listening.  You may even realize how much we often are not really listening at all when we think we are.  Additionally, through exercises in practicing, "yes...and," you will see the power of building on what another person has said through adopting a mindset of "and" rather than "but" or "no."        

Speaker:

• Alex Barber, Assistant Director, Events and Marketing Technologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology                  

We're All in this Together: How to be a Workplace Ally

Diversity and Inclusion Track

We’re committed to making the World of Advancement a place where everyone feels welcome and supported - both in and out of the workplace. Our panelists will share actionable insights that will help everyone from university leaders to those new to the field increase equity in their shop and beyond.

Allyship is part of being a great leader. In this session you will learn the definition of a workplace ally and discover the key-components, qualities, and characteristics that one must exhibit in order to be a good ally. You will be challenged to identify ways in which you, as leaders, can affect real change and make an impact. We will talk about different types of allies and which one best describes you and the role you can play in supporting your colleagues in beneficial ways to help advance and support them in their careers. Allyship is a practice that needs ongoing work and focus. The panel will make suggestions and recommendations on how to operate in solidarity as a workplace advocate and ally. As a practical “How to” the audience will develop their own three-point action plan as a take-away.

It takes all of us to have courage in order to create real change---so---bring along your colleagues and help us make strides towards creating a culture where everyone feels supported and empowered. “Where everyone feels supported, empowered and that they have a voice”

Speakers:

• Diana M. Curran, M.P.A. – Senior Director, Changing Our World, Inc.
• Donald Dowdell – Senior Director, Changing Our World
• Karen E. Sharpe M.S. – Director of Development - Leadership Giving, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Pre-Conference Keynote and Book Signing

2:45 - 3:35 p.m.

Pre-Conference Networking Reception (Sponsored by Libretto)

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.