Connect, Learn, and Be Inspired
This Year’s Symposium Includes Three Different Tracks; Fundraising, Philanthropy and Inclusive Values.
Following our opening act performance and a bit of morning inspiration with the WOC Up This Morning Plenary session, from 9:30-9:55am ET/6:30-6:55am PST, the day of virtual sessions kicks-off, ending just before 4pm ET/1pm PST so that those in the NYC area have time to make their way to the in-person Keynote Conversation, beginning at 6pm ET. Don’t forget our exciting Lunch and Learn sessions as well.
Schedule
Virtual Sessions
9:30 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. ET
6:30 a.m. - 6:55 a.m. PT
WOC Up this Morning
Fundraising
Philanthropy
Inclusive Values
10:00 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. ET
7:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. PT
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In order to remain current among the ever-changing landscape of technology, fundraising and philanthropy must find effective ways to embrace innovation and, in some cases, artificial intelligence. Are we at the point that ChatGPT will write our grant proposals? Not without the human touch. How can the nonprofit sector benefit from AI while maintaining its sense of humanity and good work? This panel will explore both the "big picture" perspective and practical application of AI when it comes to getting the "good work" done in our society.
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Scripture tells us that where our treasures lay, so does the focus of our hearts. And, it makes a surprising case for incremental giving. It has been proven time and again that one cannot compartmentalize when it comes to faith and how it impacts our sense of generosity. What does this mean for philanthropy and how do we bring our best and whole selves and the pillars of our faith to our own personal and professional philanthropic practices? You won't want to miss this dialogue of varying perspectives and insights.
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Inequities often continue to permeate nonprofit leadership—among both staff and volunteers. One of the single greatest ways to enact equity in the nonprofit sector is through boardship. Nonetheless, from the “give and get” to the nominating and governance process, nonprofit board leadership can sometimes involve gatekeeping aspects which do not allow for greater representation. However, there is no easy fix for this problem. One of the most important roles a board has is fundraising, and fundraising requires resources, relationships, and networks. This session will focus on how to begin to tackle the inequities inherent in nonprofit board leadership. We will also explore solutions to sustain the sector and fulfill the needs of the board while encouraging growth and inclusivity.
11:15 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. ET
8:15 a.m. - 9:20 p.m. PT
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Leading a development operation of any size takes incredible skill and strategic thinking. But being tasked with both development and communications can prove to be quite a feat. How do you best prioritize to wear two “hats”? How can you differentiate messaging between different audiences? And how do you manage expectations when you are responsible for two separate, yet closely intertwined roles?
Join us for a session that will provide you with invaluable insights on how to successfully run a dev/comms department.
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From Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott to charitable foundations focused solely on women and girls, women are giving back to their communities in record-breaking amounts. But that is not the only type of philanthropy you should be focused upon. Year after year, tens of millions of dollars are left “on the table” because traditional fundraising practices do not take into consideration how women give and what compels them to be generous. From their own lived professional and personal experiences, as well as the trove of data available from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, this session gives voice to how to better engage and understand women donors.
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As data becomes available on the direct impact of the Supreme Court's 2023 Affirmative Action ruling on communities of color in higher education, and, as the pendulum continues to swing around inclusion efforts, how can we navigate an ever-evolving landscape to continue the good work of allyship? Additionally, how can we create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive nonprofit sector and society as a whole? Witness the unmatched DEI expertise of this incredible panel as it discusses what's next for DEI in America.
Lunch & Learn
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. ET
9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. PT
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This session is designed for busy women of color who may lose sleep from time to time, or who may have difficulty sleeping every night. Research shows that many people, especially women of color, are not getting enough sleep due to work-related stress, busy lifestyles, and the effects of racism. In this session, you will learn about the importance of sleep for your well-being and success. The content will provide practical tips and actionable strategies to help you achieve the 7-8 hours of sleep your body and mind need every night to function optimally. In other words, we’ll help you learn how to get Good Sleep!
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You don't need make-up to feel beautiful, but if it's something you enjoy, join in this fun and explorative session to learn beauty techniques and tips that will allow you to take a creative approach to trying something new with your beauty routine.
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Have you ever thought of branching out on your own, using your talents and expertise to help clients, this time on your own terms and as your own boss? Well, look no further than this Lunch and Learn session, which will touch upon key elements to being a successful consultant. Celebrated and highly-successful fundraising consultant, Anna Barber of Anna Barber & Associates, will share her story and best practices that have made her career thrive!
Fundraising
Philanthropy
Inclusive Values
1:15 p.m. - 2:25 p.m. ET
10:15 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. PT
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In an ever-evolving fundraising landscape, what truly makes an event “special”? The pandemic permanently shifted how events are approached, with virtual elements allowing for audience expansion far and wide. As in-person events thrive again, what are the best practices and trends to achieve success?
This session will explore the “nuts-and-bolts” of event fundamentals, as well as a more in-depth discussion on using events as impactful tools for donor engagement, while changing your board and stakeholder attitudes so that they never think of your event as simply a “party.”
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Join Philanthropy Together CEO and 2024 WOC Award for Excellence recipient, Sara Lomelin and Philanthropy Together Director of Engagement, Tyeshia “Ty” Wilson, as they lead an in-depth conversation on the current trends and landscape of collective giving as seen through the lens of their groundbreaking recent report, In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S. The report explores the transformative impact of collective giving on philanthropy.
And, if you're interested in starting your own giving circle or strengthening your existing giving circle, these two incredible thought leader experts are here to give you recommendations and guidelines on how to have a successful collective-giving journey!
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Some CRM systems and databases have elements that many see as continuing the cycle of inequity in philanthropy. A built-in system of biases that perpetuates boundaries to a more inclusive sector. How can you identify these and develop an operations strategy that will be more inclusive? And, as part of this process, how can you see donor prospecting and prospect research through a more inclusive lens? This session will provide insights that could be truly transformational for you and your organization.
2:30 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. ET
11:30 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. PT
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Understanding our donors and making the right ask at the right time are key to successfully building and growing an individual giving program. But what other things should you consider? How do you define a major or principal gift? How do you implement a solid moves management system? This session will explore best practices for successful strategies that will help your organization thrive.
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Women of color are increasingly moving into philanthropic advising as solopreneurs. What are some keys to success in the field? Crystal Thompkins, Director of Strategic Impact at Daylight and Founder and Principal of TrueCrystal Consulting, will provide insights on the journey of becoming a philanthropic advisor. She will be joined in conversation with two successful women, Aurora Colindres of Power for Good Consulting, and Autumn Keck, CEO of Scribe LLC who will share their success stories.
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Building a successful and inclusive development team requires a multi-faceted approach; crafting the team that an organization needs to meet its goals, while welcoming new and diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skill sets. Maintaining that team and leading them to achieve success while also taking into consideration their own needs and morale can be an entirely different journey. How can the nonprofit industry realistically and impactfully move the cause forward to diversify leadership and teams through executive search and more inclusive internal hiring and management practices? This session will give perspectives of leading search and nonprofit executives on how the sector can think differently and aim higher because of it.
In-Person
6 p.m. ET
Keynote Conversation
Join us for a powerful conversation between Yolanda F. Johnson and our special guest, Deborah Koenigsberger, fashion trailblazer and philanthropist.
Join Us
Ready to connect and learn with the WOC Community? Grab your Symposium spot now. This year’s Symposium is a hybrid event.
Thank you for your interest! Registration for the 2024 WOC Symposium is now closed.
Registrants will receive event details prior to the event.