CASE Europe Trust Impact
The CASE Europe Trust plays a vital role in strengthening the educational advancement profession by supporting talent development and scholarships. With a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), the Trust is committed to shaping the future of our field. This year, the Trust provided scholarships for two remarkable advancement professionals, Cailtin Hazell from the University of Hull and Nsika Dube from UWC Atlantic, to attend the CASE Spring Institute in Educational Fundraising (SIEF). As one of CASE’s flagship training programs, SIEF equips participants with essential skills to enhance their impact in institutional fundraising.
Hear the Impact
We had the pleasure of connecting with Nsika after her attendance at SIEF in April to learn more about her career journey, her role at UWC Atlantic, and the impactful experience she had at SIEF.
Nsika’s Journey to Educational Advancement
Originally from eSwatini, Nsika’s journey into educational advancement began in the entertainment industry, where she managed a program that used art to inspire and support young people. While she helped many young creatives through scholarships and funding, her desire to create lasting change led her down a new path. “Education is more than just a certificate; it’s a means to knowledge and connections that can significantly influence one’s life,” Nsika reflects. This deep affinity for education ultimately brought her to philanthropy, where she now works as a Stewardship Coordinator, connecting with individuals committed to expanding equitable education opportunities.
Finding Purpose Through Connection
Nsika has been with UWC Atlantic for a year and a half, where she has fully embraced her passion for community. As the sole person responsible for stewardship on her team, she has the freedom to shape her role and cultivate meaningful relationships between students, volunteers, and supporters. “My favorite part of the job is building connections and growing relationships in diverse and unique ways,” Nsika shares. Donors are an integral part of her efforts, contributing more than just financial support by wholeheartedly investing in students’ growth and success. Watching these relationships between students and donors flourish drives Nsika’s work and reinforces her commitment to strengthening the UWC Atlantic community.
The SIEF Experience
Nsika was drawn to the SIEF program through her awareness of CASE and its reputation for offering high-quality professional development. New to philanthropy, she was eager to find enriching learning opportunities that would broaden her skills and knowledge. SIEF provided the perfect platform, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the key elements of fundraising and the vital role that community plays in philanthropy. Through SIEF, Nsika learned how to recognize shared passions within a community and develop programs that unite its members around these commonalities. This knowledge has become essential to her work at UWC Atlantic, where she now applies these insights to create meaningful philanthropic connections that support and strengthen the institution.
Nsika’s Insights for Early-Career Advancement Professionals
Nsika encourages those embarking on their first CASE conference to embrace curiosity and engage in meaningful dialogue. “Every question is an opportunity for knowledge sharing,” she says. She highlights the welcoming and supportive environment at CASE conferences, where advancement professionals of all stages are passionate about philanthropy and eager to help others succeed.
Nsika’s experience at SIEF demonstrates the profound impact that CASE has in shaping the careers of those new to philanthropy. CASE offers more than just knowledge—it provides transformative opportunities that foster growth, build confidence, and inspire future leaders in the profession. Through programs like SIEF, CASE empowers individuals to make a lasting difference in their institutions and communities, transforming lives and society every step of the way.
