This session, led by two BIPOC leaders from McGill University's Advancement team, will facilitate a discussion around the reality of being BIPOC, and especially Black, in the fundraising field. Often we lack spaces to discuss how our perceived race changes how we engage with our donors and colleagues. Using prompts and guidance, this discussion with highlight the personal experiences of attendees as BIPOC fundraisers. We will also ask a basic but fundamental question: how have your respective organizations spearheaded DEI initiatives, and have they created palpable change? In addition to providing a safe space for personal discussions, we hope attendees will leave this session with concrete ways that workplaces can be authentically diverse while supporting their staff, and provide ways that we can all reflect on our positionality in the workplace and in society at large to ensure we are supporting are diverse workforce and creating more successful, engaged teams.

Keeping it simple, doing more with less. In response to the pandemic, we fostered a culture of continuous communication that our community has come to expect and appreciate. To maintain and enhance this connection, we leverage diverse platforms to engage our audience and build stronger relationships. Our initiative highlights the stories of students, faculty, and staff through captivating video series, informative communications, and engaging podcasts. Join us to explore how these storytelling mediums have kept our community informed and strengthened our school’s sense of unity and shared purpose.

Clark University is embarking on a bold new campaign that integrates cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to its philanthropic mission. Joe Manok will share how the university’s strategic plan, which includes a fourfold increase in campaign goals, is not just a response to the changing landscape but a proactive effort to redefine what’s possible in higher education fundraising. Central to this strategy is the development of the Clark-EverTrue Advancement Lab, an innovative initiative focused on harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize donor engagement and campaign execution. This session will detail how the lab is driving advancements in data analytics, personalizing donor outreach, and optimizing campaign outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for designing ambitious campaigns that resonate with modern donors while staying true to institutional values, and insights on how to leverage AI to future-proof their advancement efforts.