In November 2023, I decided that I needed to take a step back from nonprofit work. This decision emerged from a sense of being overworked and a depletion of my spiritual, emotional, and physical energies.

The notion of stepping away from my professional responsibilities was very daunting for me. I questioned, “how will I ever explain a several-month gap on my resume??” …

An increasing number of professionals are transitioning from in-house roles to positions 'adjacent to' the nonprofit sector, such as consultants and freelancers. Inherently, this is neither good nor bad. However, a significant, yet under discussed, repercussion of this trend is the emerging shortage of dedicated and willing Expeditioners.

In fundraising, entering the field can be both exhilarating and daunting. Drawing inspiration from the insights shared by industry professionals, I've distilled a collection of both mine and their invaluable lessons for those embarking on their fundraising journey.

Embracing Imperfection and Opportunity in Your First Role

Real talk: the initial step into fundraising seldom presents the perfect job scenario. Yet, this phase holds immense potential for exploration and self-discovery!

“You know those houseplants that have been in a pot too long? When you take them out of the pot, you see the coils of roots circling around and around, just barely wedging in the container. That’s how I feel here.”

I told a coworker this once to describe how stagnation felt in a past role. Houseplants confined to a small pot may not necessarily die. They can survive, but their growth is minimal, and gradually, they begin to look quite forlorn. This is a powerful illustration of what happens when we stay too long in a role that no longer challenges us or offers room for advancement.

Did you know 70% of people are unsatisfied with their jobs? That’s pretty shocking. Is that your story, but on repeat? Been there! After feeling a bit lost in my own career, I created a reflection exercise. I am sharing it so you can stop guessing what your dream job is. Instead, put real definition around it.

When I was invited to guest-write Mike’s Monday Message for Hispanic Heritage Month, I nearly declined.

Why? Because adequately representing our collective Latinidad carries weight. After reflecting on the importance of representation, however, my message's focus became clear. I'm using this platform to highlight an extraordinary Latinx/e fundraiser, Armando E. Zumaya.

We may not agree on everything but we can agree on how to best solve a jigsaw puzzle: locating and fitting together the border pieces.

This is more than a mere tactic, it’s a strategy that provides a tangible shape and a clear path forward. It's about crafting a boundary within which the chaotic jumble of remaining pieces can make sense, offering an immediate sense of progress and the motivation to press on.