When I joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as a student member, I expected professional development. What I didn’t expect was how profoundly it would shape the way I lead, think, and grow within the field of fundraising.

Guided by Dr. Angela Seaworth, ACFRE—whose expertise is matched only by her integrity—I learned far more than the mechanics of fundraising. Her small, discussion-based classes pushed me to reflect deeply on donor identity, ethical solicitation, strategic communication, and what it means to build trust through philanthropy. Her mentorship grounded me in a set of ethical principles that continue to guide my approach.

AFP also gave me a peer community that embodies lifelong learning. These are not people who agree for the sake of politeness—they challenge assumptions, refine ideas, and push for sharper questions. Together, we explored everything from stewardship and nontraditional giving models to strategic message tailoring, donor motivations, and long-term career mapping.

The overlap between AFP and my Bush School experience made these lessons even more meaningful. The president and secretary of our AFP chapter were in my capstone group. The vice president was a coworker. Our conversations didn’t end in meetings—they continued through group texts, late-night discussions, and real decisions we were making in our professional work. Learning became a shared, ongoing practice woven into every part of graduate school and early career.

AFP has shaped me into a more reflective, strategic, and ethical fundraiser. As I prepare for CFRE certification, I am building not only technical knowledge but also the habits of curiosity, humility, and continuous growth. For me, lifelong learning means understanding that fundraising is an act of empathy and trust-building—and that in this work, values and relationships are the most powerful tools we have.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela