CREATING COMMUNITY WITH COURAGE & COLLECTIVE ACTION In current times marked by rapid change, fundraising professionals are not only resource developers – we are also community builders.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
WELCOME Welcome to the 2026 Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute!
let’s celebrate impact, milestones, and the meaningful work that we are a part of each and every day.
We are excited that you can join us for a day dedicated to “Creating Community with Courage & Collective Action.” At AFP Colorado, we embrace AFP Global’s FORGE principles—Fairness, Openness, Respect, Grace, and Empathy—and we are delighted to welcome Roger D. Ali, AFP Global Board Chair, who exemplifies those principles and will set the stage for all of the “Cs” in this year’s theme.
In the spirit of celebration, we want to recognize and thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this day to life: co-chairs Raffael Hoffmann and Richard Eveleigh; host Sarah Swanson; the incredibly hard-working DeAnn Acosta and Cheryl Dotson; the entire RMPI Committee; our thoughtful and brilliant speakers; the sponsors who support our work; and each of you who made the time to be here.
We also hope you will see, hear, and feel all of AFP Colorado’s guiding principles in action today. We start with Community: you are welcome here. Personal & Professional Growth: let’s share knowledge generously and support one another’s journey. Trust & Accountability: help one another have the courage to uphold ethical guidelines in our decisions and actions. Last, but most certainly not least, Celebration:
Thank you for being a part of our AFP Colorado community! Warm regards,
Lizz Helmsen, MAT, CFRE AFP Colorado Chapter President
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER Roger Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, AFP Global Board Chair With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Roger D. Ali is a seasoned professional with deep and broad experience as a fundraising executive, administrator, and consultant, committed to the industry and the discipline, as exemplified by his appointment as the Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global. Roger is a major gifts strategist with a proven track record of leading teams and comprehensive fundraising and marketing programs to raise $200 million+, including several capital and endowment campaigns. He is an independent consultant specializing in governance, major gifts, campaign fundraising strategy, and staff coaching, and also serves as a Senior Associate with S. Sutton & Associates Inc. His work with nonprofit organizations across Canada and the United States has helped build robust fundraising programs that have generated millions of dollars. He has designed and supported both small-scale and complex fundraising campaigns, providing strategic guidance that strengthens organizational capacity and long-term philanthropic success.
RMPI 2026 SPONSORS SUPPORTING SPONSOR
COMMUNITY BUILDER SPONSORS
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
EXHIBITORS
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SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 8:00 am
RMPI Opens and Continental Breakfast Available
8:30 am
Welcome
8:40 am
Opening Keynote Session – Leading with Purpose - Focusing on What Matters Most
9:20 am
Break and Networking
9:45 am
Workshop Session I
Session A: Joy Is for Mission Builders Too: Stop Surviving the Work You Were Called to Love (CG CENTER) Session B: Planned Giving 2.0 - Donors as Investors: How Modern Fundraising Strategy and Non-Cash Assets Can Transform Giving (CG SOUTH) Session C: Who Pays for Collective Action? Confronting the Hidden Costs of BIPOC Labor in Philanthropy (CG NORTH) 10:45 am
Break – Visit Vendors, Self-Care, and Networking
11:00 am
Workshop Session II
Session A: DAFs - What Fundraisers Need to Know About Them and Their Donors (CG CENTER) Session B: Seasons of Story: How Fundraisers Build Real Relationships Through Seasonal Storytelling (CG SOUTH) Session C: Collective Action to Level Up Philanthropy & Protect Race Explicit Grantmaking (CG NORTH) 12:00 pm
Grab Lunch and Community Building
1:15 pm
Workshop Session III
Session A: Leading Across Difference: A Masterclass in Unlocking Your Team’s Best Ideas (CG CENTER) Session B: From Contacts to Community: Activating Mentorship in Your Career Journey (CG SOUTH) Session C: Engaging Latine/o/x Donors (CG NORTH) 2:15 pm
Break – Visit Vendors, Self-Care, Networking
2:30 pm
Workshop Session IV
Session A: From Transactional to Transformational: A Bold Shift to Human-Centered Fundraising (CG CENTER) Session B: The Hidden Leadership Tax: Is Burnout Burying Your Genius? (CG SOUTH) Session C: Beyond Inspiration: Disability-Conscious Fundraising That Builds Trust, Equity, and Results (CG NORTH) 3:45 pm 3
Happy Hour on the Patio
* Schedule is subject to change.
SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Please see speaker photos and bios later in the program
8:00 am - Conference Opens 8:40 am - Opening Keynote Speaker
Roger Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, AFP Global Board Chair Leading with Purpose - Focusing on What Matters Most (CG FULL) In times marked by economic uncertainty, changing donor behavior, rapid technological advancement, and rising expectations, nonprofit leaders are navigating extraordinary change. Yet in moments like these, the most important question is not how to control the future — but how to remain grounded in purpose and focused on what truly matters. Participants will gain perspective on the current realities shaping philanthropy, the importance of strengthening relationships and community, and how leaders can cultivate resilient organizations during times of change. Most importantly, attendees will leave with renewed confidence and a deeper understanding of how to focus on what matters most — serving others, building trust, and advancing mission-driven work with integrity, courage, and compassion.
9:45 am - Workshop Session I Joy Is for Mission Builders Too: Stop Surviving the Work You Were Called to Love (CG CENTER) Dr. Lynnette Adams, The Joy Architect Joy Is for the Mission Builders is an interactive workshop designed for nonprofit leaders, staff, and changemakers who are passionate about their work but stretched by its demands. Rooted in Dr. Lynnette Adams’ Formula for Joy™, this session reframes joy as a leadership strategy rather than a reward earned after burnout. Participants will explore the real sources of exhaustion in mission-driven work and learn practical tools to restore energy, strengthen resilience, and stay connected to purpose. Through a guided Joy Audit and reflective activities, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate greater well-being, sustainable leadership, and impact within their organizations and communities. Planned Giving 2.0 - Donors as Investors: How Non-Cash Assets Can Transform Philanthropy (CG SOUTH)
Herbert Kyles and Aaron Sheklin, Farther Today’s best fundraisers know that giving isn’t just about cash; it’s about helping donors use what they already have to make a bigger difference. During this session, we’ll show participants (1) how to talk to donors about their total wealth and unlock gifts for both today and the future; (2) the best ways to help donors work with their financial advisors, estate planners, and tax advisors; and (3) the road map to long-term independence: how to build and then manage an endowment. Who Pays for Collective Action? Confronting the Hidden Costs of BIPOC Labor in Philanthropy (CG NORTH)
Lucas Land, The Delores Project; and Chris Talbot, Community-Centric Fundraising In the nonprofit sector, BIPOC professionals are routinely asked to contribute their expertise, networks, and lived experience without fair compensation. Using real-world examples (including one regarding this event), we’ll address how the extraction of free BIPOC labor—from speaking requests and committee work to “advisory” roles and DEI initiatives—is routinely normalized, and why this undermines the very collective action our sector claims to pursue. We will challenge white fundraising professionals to examine their organizations, professional associations, and peer networks and how they may contribute to this behavior and discuss how they can interrupt these patterns as active accomplices.
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SCHEDULE 11:00 am - Workshop Session II DAFs - What Fundraisers Need to Know About Them and Their Donors (CG CENTER) Catherine Bucholz, NoCo Foundation; Sarah James, Rose Community Foundation; and Andrea Shultz, The Denver Foundation Moderator – Amy Farnan, There With Care Donor-advised funds continue to shape the philanthropic landscape, creating new opportunities for nonprofits to build meaningful relationships with donors and community foundations. Join leaders from Denver Foundation, Rose Community Foundation, and NoCo Foundation for a candid conversation about today’s giving trends, what philanthropic advisors look for when recommending nonprofits, and how organizations of all sizes can strengthen their fundraising strategies. Whether you’re new to development or an experienced fundraiser, you’ll gain practical insights on connecting with DAF donors, fostering lasting partnerships, and advancing your mission through collaboration, trust, and collective action. Seasons of Story: How Fundraisers Build Real Relationships Through Seasonal Storytelling (CG SOUTH)
Max Kringen, Tellwell Story Co. Most nonprofits have great stories. They’re just telling them at the wrong time. Seasons of Story maps four phases of donor trust to four communication postures: Spring (Introduce), Summer (Educate), Fall (Engage), and Winter (Remind). Storytelling that moves with the natural rhythm of how relationships actually form. One organization used the framework to grow its gala from $150K to $600K. Same donors. Different rhythm. You’ll learn which season you’re in right now, and leave with a seasonal communication plan you can start using Monday morning. Collective Action to Level Up Philanthropy & Protect Race Explicit Grantmaking (CG NORTH) Jodeen Olguín-Tayler, CHANGE Philanthropy As communities face urgent challenges, the CHANGE Philanthropy–led Level Up initiative is mobilizing grantmakers to increase grantmaking budgets, raise endowment payout rates, and invest in community-led solutions that advance gender and racial equity. In just seven months, CHANGE Philanthropy has secured commitments to move an additional $600 million into the field over two fiscal years. This workshop will explore how the Level Up initiative is successfully advancing philanthropic advocacy to increase endowment payouts, expand grantmaking, and shift resources toward power-building strategies led by organizations rooted in directly impacted communities. Participants will gain insights into the strategies, partnerships, and lessons driving this growing movement for greater philanthropic accountability and impact.
12:00 pm - Lunch and Community Building
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SCHEDULE 1:15 pm - Workshop Session III Leading Across Difference: A Masterclass in Unlocking Your Team’s Best Ideas (CG CENTER) Jon Wheeler, The Atrius Group Your organization’s most valuable asset is its talent. In a rapidly changing world, traditional leadership models won’t scale your impact. To truly level up, leaders must master the art of leading across difference to unlock their team’s full potential. Led by Jon Wheeler, former Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity Learning at Visa, this class bridges the gap between Silicon Valley talent strategy and the nonprofit heart. Learn how global tech leaders treat difference as a competitive advantage, understand mind science and discover how, as culture carriers, you can build a high-performance team where everyone feels connected and can do their best work every day. From Contacts to Community: Activating Mentorship in Your Career Journey (CG SOUTH) Emma Byers, Craig Hospital Foundation In today’s competitive job market, success is rarely a solo endeavor. This session explores how fundraisers can leverage mentorship as a powerful, community-driven strategy for navigating a job search with confidence and purpose. Aligned with the theme of creating community with courage and collective action, attendees will learn how to identify, approach, and engage mentors in authentic, mutually beneficial ways. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, participants will discover how to build meaningful professional relationships, expand their networks, uncover opportunities, and strengthen their career prospects. Leave with actionable tools and the confidence to ask for guidance and support. Engaging Latine/o/x Donors (CG NORTH) Dolores Garay, Movement Voter Project; and JoAnna Cintron, JMC Impact LLC/ Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy, Denver Scholarship Foundation Many organizations are seeking to expand and diversify their donor base, but conventional thinking can prevent fundraisers from identifying and cultivating these prospective donors. Join us for a lively workshop about engaging Latine/o/x donors, from grassroots givers to HNW major donors. How is your fundraising program leaving out this critical and growing Colorado population? This session will: examine how stereotypes are impeding your fundraising success, discuss if there are cultural differences among donor communities, share success stories about fundraising from Latine/o/x communities and more.
2:30 pm - Workshop Session IV From Transactional to Transformational: A Bold Shift to Human-Centered Fundraising (CG CENTER)
Susan Kramer, Susan Kramer Consulting For too long, fundraising has relied on transactional models that treat donors like sources of revenue rather than human beings with values, passions, and purpose. If we continue treating donors like ATMs, we should not be surprised when engagement plateaus. This session challenges that paradigm. Drawing on more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership and $10+ million in annual fundraising, Susan Kramer introduces a bold, human-centered approach to donor engagement that aligns donor identity with organizational impact. When done well, this shift does more than increase giving. It unlocks transformational philanthropy. Attendees will leave with a practical framework to deepen relationships, inspire larger gifts, and fundamentally rethink how they approach fundraising. 6
SCHEDULE The Hidden Leadership Tax: Is Burnout Burying Your Genius? (CG SOUTH) Tamara Wheeler, The Atrius Group You got into this work because you believe in the mission. But somewhere between the grant proposals, the CRM cleanup, and the board reports, your best donors may not be getting your best self. This Design Lab is your reset. Using the Working Genius framework, you’ll discover where your energy is leaking — and which work only YOU can do. You’ll map your team’s strengths, find the gaps stalling your biggest projects, and leave with a concrete plan for Monday morning. Come ready to collaborate. Leave ready to lead on. Beyond Inspiration: Disability-Conscious Fundraising That Builds Trust, Equity, and Results (CG NORTH)
Chanda Hinton, The Chanda Center for Health Fundraising for disability-focused work—and with disabled communities—often relies on narratives rooted in pity, deficit, or “inspiration.” While these approaches may generate short-term revenue, they can undermine trust and reinforce harmful stereotypes. This interactive workshop introduces a disability-conscious fundraising framework that centers dignity, autonomy, and equity while strengthening donor engagement. Through real-world examples and practical exercises, participants will learn to identify ableism in fundraising, reframe storytelling, create more accessible donor experiences, and build authentic partnerships with supporters. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, messaging frameworks, and accessibility strategies they can immediately apply to advance both impact and inclusion.
3:45 pm – Happy Hour on the patio
MORE ABOUT AFP COLORADO CHAPTER l Need CFRE hours? We are an approved
l Are you looking for a new position? Be sure to
l Have you ever attended an AFP Coffee Chat?
l Are you or is someone on your staff 30
provider. Be sure to check the email you received for the CE. We are now at Junior League of Denver on the second Tuesday of each month and Coffee Chat is free to attend for everyone. Details at https://bit.ly/AFPCoffeeChat
l Are you an AFP member but not quite sure
how everything works? Do you have questions about scholarships? AFP offers scholarships toward AFP membership, monthly program attendance, and RMPI registrations. Email Marissa at membership@afpcc.org with questions.
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check out the job postings on the AFP website. https://bit.ly/AFPJobCenter
years or younger? AFP has a Young Professional membership category to save on membership dues.
l Would you like to attend the AFP International
Conference on scholarship? If you have never attended before, you qualify to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship. Watch the Thursday Thoughts email for details.
l Do you have some great ideas to share?
AFP Colorado Chapter welcomes committee members in all areas. Learn more at https://bit.ly/AFPCOCommittee
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS Dr. Lynnette Adams (she/her) CEO, The Joy Architect Dr. Lynnette Adams, PhD, is a behavioral and leadership scientist, joy strategist, organizational heart healer, speaker, and founder of The Joy Lab Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and The Joy Architect™. She is the creator of The Formula for Joy™, a research-informed framework that helps individuals, organizations, and communities use joy as a catalyst for resilience, leadership, and meaningful change. With more than two decades of experience in leadership, education, nonprofit development, and community engagement, Dr. Adams specializes in joy-centered leadership, organizational culture, belonging, well-being, and human development. Her work bridges research and practice, helping people and organizations transform how they lead, connect, and thrive. Through speaking, consulting, coaching, and teaching, Dr. Adams helps leaders build cultures where joy is not a reward for success, but a pathway to it. Known as The Joy Architect™, she is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.
Catherine Bucholz (she/her) Philanthropic Advisor, NoCo Foundation Catherine Bucholz leads the Community Champions annual giving program and helps donors design charitable giving strategies that reflect their values and goals. She is a Certified 21/64 Advisor and graduate of the Institute for Leaders in Development, with expertise in donor engagement, philanthropic planning, and donor advised funds. Prior to joining the NoCo Foundation staff in 2020, Catherine worked in development with the Grand Canyon Conservancy. She lives in Fort Collins with her family and enjoys hiking, skiing, and exploring Colorado’s outdoors.
Emma Byers (she/her) Director of Philanthropy, Craig Hospital Foundation Emma Byers brings a background in community engagement, program development, and resource mobilization to her work as Director of Philanthropy at the Craig Hospital Foundation. Emma previously held roles with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Denver Public Schools, and Metropolitan State University of Denver. She earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Puget Sound. Emma volunteers on The Denver Foundation’s Advisory Committee for Community Impact and is also a member of The Denver Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Giving Circle. She lives in Denver with her partner and three rambunctious toddlers and loves reading and traveling in her free time.
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WORKSHOP SPEAKERS JoAnna Cintron (she/her) Founder and Principal, JMC Impact LLC/ Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy, Denver Scholarship Foundation Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Aurora, Colorado, JoAnna Cintron learned early on the power of community. JoAnna earned her degree in Advertising and Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder and is an alumna of the Latino Leadership Institute. Throughout her career, she has worked across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, communications, and community engagement, helping organizations build stronger connections between community needs and community solutions. She is also a Bonfils-Stanton Livingston Fellow and received a State of Colorado proclamation recognizing her work to elevate Latino stories, leadership, and cultural contributions throughout Colorado. JoAnna believes philanthropy should be accessible to everyone. Whether people give their time, talent, or treasure, she sees philanthropy as a shared responsibility and a powerful way to strengthen communities. She is passionate about fundraising because it creates meaningful connections between people and causes, bringing individuals together around a common vision for the future.
Dolores Garay (she/her) Philanthropy Advisor, Movement Voter Project Dolores Garay, a Colorado-based nonprofit powerhouse, proudly wears the titles of hellraiser, childraiser, and fundraiser. Her expertise lies in building strong partnerships with donors and fostering a sense of community within organizations. She spent two decades collaborating with frontline groups championing education, health, youth, LGBTQ+, media, social justice, and philanthropy. Most notably, she is an expert in working with high-net wealth people of color. She conceptualized the project that became the robust giving circle program at the Latino Community Foundation in San Francisco in 2005, directed the most successful fundraising events in their organizational history at California Rural Legal Assistance Inc and GRID Alternatives, and grew the membership of the Donors of Color Network by 211%. She is a nationally recognized fundraising trainer and event emcee. With a keen heart for cultivating relationships, Dolores orchestrates philanthropy growth and strategy as MVP’s Colorado Philanthropy Advisor.
Chanda Hinton (she/her) Founder and Senior Development Director, The Chanda Center for Health
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After sustaining a spinal cord injury at age nine, Chanda experienced years of chronic pain and declining health before discovering the transformative impact of integrative therapies. Inspired by her own recovery, she made it her mission to ensure people living with long term physical disabilities have access to holistic, affordable care. In 2005, she co-founded the Chanda Plan Foundation, which evolved into the Chanda Center for Health in 2017. Today, Chanda leads statewide efforts to improve health outcomes and expand access to disability-centered healthcare across Colorado.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS Sarah James (she/her) Director of Donor Funds and Gift Planning, Rose Community Foundation Sarah James joined the Philanthropic Services team at Rose Community Foundation in 2024. She brings more than a decade of experience in fundraising, having worked with a diverse range of organizations across the arts, social services, and education sectors. Throughout her career, Sarah has built meaningful relationships with donors and helped align their philanthropic goals with the evolving needs of their communities. Sarah leads the donor-advised fund team, partnering with individuals and families to guide values-driven philanthropic strategies. Prior to joining the Foundation, Sarah served as Associate Director of Annual Giving at the University of Denver. Before DU, she led fundraising efforts at the Art Students League of Denver and played a key role at Warren Village, where she managed individual giving and events. Sarah holds a BA in Communication Studies from Arizona State University and a MA in Communication Studies from Colorado State University. She is a graduate of the Institute for Leaders in Development. Outside of work, Sarah is an active volunteer and serves on the Institute for Leaders in Development Steering Committee. She enjoys traveling, hosting gatherings, attending live music, and spending time with friends and her wife, Savanna.
Susan Kramer (she/her) CEO, Susan Kramer Consulting Susan Kramer is anything but conventional. Her entrance into the nonprofit world is no exception. Years ago, as a young hairdresser, Susan had an epiphany. She realized her ability to build relationships in two minutes or less not only drove customers to her salon chair but provided a unique opportunity to master the art of excavating the most powerful hidden asset central to the long-term success of every organization—the hidden passions of people. Susan offers a teachable platform that prepares executives, boards, teams, and individuals to shift into a new paradigm of nonprofit development. This new model is proven to reinvigorate passion, engage stakeholders at every level, and catalyze a new relationship-based approach to donor development. Through educational programming, executive guidance, and on-the-ground support, she partners with organizations to overcome common stumbling blocks, strengthen teams, and tap into new sources of funding. When Susan is not focusing on her business, she is spending time with her family and her mixed media mosaic arts. An avid fan of all things colorful and fun, Susan is said to “spread pixie dust everywhere she goes”. Figuratively and if you’re in her car, literally . . . please don’t open the glovebox.
Stay in Touch with the AFP Colorado Chapter! 10
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS Max Kringen (he/him) Chief Storyteller, Tellwell Story Co. Tellwell Story Co. is a creative studio in Fargo, North Dakota that helps nonprofits, higher education institutions, and mission-driven organizations find their story and tell it well. For over a decade, Max and his team have partnered with hundreds of organizations on documentary impact films, brand strategy, fundraising campaigns, and strategic communications. He is the author of Seasons of Story: A Cozy Marketing Guide for Growing Safety, Trust, and Belonging, a framework that has reshaped how nonprofits think about donor communication. He hosts the Tellwell podcast and writes the Start with Story newsletter, which reaches more than 3,000 subscribers. Max also founded the WellTold Conference, an annual gathering for mission-driven communicators and fundraisers. His work sits at the intersection of storytelling, fundraising, and trust. His frameworks come from a decade of practice, not theory.
Herbert Kyles (he/him) SVP, Wealth Advisor, Farther Herbert is a wealth manager bringing over a decade of wealth planning experience with individuals to mission-driven organizations. Drawing from his client base consisting of senior decision-makers at Fortune 50 firms, he serves his nonprofit clients by providing them with insight on how their top individual donors think, because they are his clients. Herbert helps nonprofits and families build self-sustaining, multi-generational wealth to foster a better world. Outside the office, he enjoys staying active and traveling with his wife and is inspired by the important social causes he and his clients champion.
Lucas Land (they/them) Director of Development, The Delores Project Lucas Land is a fundraising professional, nonprofit leader, and community organizer based in Denver. As Director of Development at The Delores Project — a Housing First organization providing 24/7 shelter, supportive housing, and wraparound services for women, transgender, and nonbinary people experiencing homelessness — Lucas leads fundraising, communications, and community engagement with a commitment to equity and collective action. Lucas co-stewards CCF Denver, the local chapter of Community-Centric Fundraising, where they work alongside fundraising professionals to confront systemic inequities in the philanthropic sector — including how BIPOC expertise, labor, and leadership are undervalued and undercompensated. Grounded in years of work across direct service, international nonprofit, and development contexts, Lucas brings both practical expertise and a values-driven lens to building a more accountable and equitable profession.
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WORKSHOP SPEAKERS Jodeen Olguín-Tayler (she/her) Director of Programs and Campaigns, CHANGE Philanthropy Jodeen has served in executive leadership roles across the philanthropic, private, and nonprofit sectors and has over 20 years of experience leading cross-sector initiatives for a more inclusive democracy and an economic system rooted in racial and gender equity. With over a decade of senior leadership in philanthropy, Jodeen has been recognized for significantly shifting and scaling funding to racial and gender equity organizations; has led fund development and donor education for multiple equity-focused funds; and piloted program and mission investing strategies for endowed philanthropies. Having grown up in Chicana and immigrant frontline communities, Jodeen’s work is grounded in the urgency of addressing racialized violence, systemic health inequality, gender equity and environmental racism. As a mother and queer Chicana, Jodeen is learning to serve as a generational steward of Ute and Tewa ancestral lands. Her family’s 900+ years of resilience and protection of land, water and cultural traditions are an inheritance that informs her stewardship of organizations and deployment of resources to shift economic, cultural and political power to be more equitably distributed.
Aaron Sheklin (he/him) Director of Institutional, Farther Aaron is a dedicated educator and strategist who helps nonprofits become self-sustaining entities that benefit communities in perpetuity. Driven by a profound passion for philanthropy, he falls in love with a new mission every day. His team at Farther Institutional goes beyond traditional institutional wealth management by aligning nonprofit endowment portfolios directly with their strategic master plan. More importantly, his team provides vital donor development education, creating initiatives that drive fundraising and empower organizations. Aaron’s ultimate mission is clear: to help people live better lives by ensuring the nonprofits serving them have the financial foundation to succeed forever.
Andrea Shultz (she/her) Director of Philanthropic Growth, The Denver Foundation Andrea comes to The Denver Foundation with a breadth of nonprofit knowledge, having worked at several higher education institutions and community organizations. In her Director of Philanthropic Growth role, she uses that knowledge to work with individuals, businesses, and families to reach their philanthropic goals. Her previous professional experience includes the University of Denver, Director of Development; Pi Beta Phi Foundation, Executive Director; and Georgetown University, Assistant Director of Development. Andrea earned a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Denver and a BA in French and International Studies, Minor in Economics from the University of Richmond. 12
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS Chris Talbot (they/them) Communications Lead, Community-Centric Fundraising Chris is a queer, trans masc nonbinary, mixed-race, and autistic artist, educomics creator, and nonprofit laborer trying to build spaces ready to celebrate marginalized folks when they turn up authentically. They have over two decades of experience working and volunteering within the nonprofit industrial complex, over four decades of experience living in a white-, cis-, het-, abled-supremacist society, and 25+ years’ worth of DEI training aimed at helping them navigate that society in their body. They are currently the Communications Lead for Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF), a Board Member for Summit for Action, the owner and editor of Global Majority Press, a member of Everyone Outdoors Colorado, a co-host of the podcast Them’s Wild, and the author and illustrator of the educomic Chrissplains Nonbinary Advocacy to Cisgender People, the serial graphic novel The Story of Them, and the book Why Must the White Cis Nonprofit Workers Angry React to All My Posts?
Jon Wheeler (he/him) Principal Consultant, The Atrius Group Jon Wheeler is a dynamic human resources executive bringing over two decades of experience aligning human capital strategy with high-stakes business and cultural objectives. Previously, he served as the Global Head of Talent at Fastly, leading global talent acquisition, management, and development strategies for the high-growth technology enterprise. Jon specializes in architecting talent frameworks that connect core business strategy with leadership development, empowering organizations to build high-performing, inclusive team cultures. As the Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity Learning at Visa, he partnered with executive teams to engineer scalable learning ecosystems, mitigate implicit bias, and establish clear career pathways for underrepresented talent. His enterprise background also includes leading strategic HR Business Partner and Talent Management initiatives at AbbVie, a large biopharmaceutical company. Jon holds a B.S. in Human Services alongside professional certifications in instructional design, cultural difference, crucial conversations, and organizational change.
Tamara Wheeler (she/her) Principal, Strategy Partner of The Atrius Group
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Tamara has spent more than 20 years working alongside some of the most passionate solutionists in the social sector — from World Vision and Mercy Corps to The Nature Conservancy, Food Banks, Rescue Missions, and children’s hospitals. Bringing perspective from both sides of the table, she has been a VP of Marketing & Development on the nonprofit side and has spent years leading strategy, client partnership, and transformational giving teams at top marketing agencies dedicated exclusively to serving U.S. and Canadian charities. Throughout her career, she has guided organizations on how to find more donors and more dollars. Tamara is a Board Member for some of her favorite causes. She holds a degree in Art and Communications and earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2008. Today, as Principal of The Atrius Group, she partners with nonprofits to help them find clarity, build momentum, and make their next bold moves.
RMPI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS We are thrilled that we have 19 scholarship attendees at RMPI. Thanks to our sponsors – Carter, Past Presidents of AFP Colorado Chapter and Institute for Leaders in Development – for making this experience possible. Sylvia Aalund, Brent’s Place Marpessa Allen, Mahogany Mothers Circle Luna Collins, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels Nicole Craig, Disability Justice Imaan Ennis, Matrescence Nicolette Ferris Brigitte Hipp, FRIENDS of Broomfield Shannon Hoffmann, Globeville Elyria Swansea Community Investment Fund Nicole Hubert, Kasih Initiative
Adam Million, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation Violina Mitovska, Consultant Luke Waldron, Maria Droste Counseling Center Kristen Fledderjohn, BRITE Collaborative Mary Katherine Kerr, Denver Health Foundation Rich Murray, Judi’s House Jessica Richardson, Adaptive Adventures Ariel Ruempolhamer, The Black Girl Advocate Maggie St. Clair, Colorado Fiscal Institute Binisha Shrestha, Colorado Nepalese Community
Join us for these upcoming events: October 13 ‑ Ethical Horror Stories
8 am Coffee Chat at JLD, 1301 S Washington St Details here: Coffee Chat - AFP Colorado Chapter AFP connects fundraising professionals with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. As an AFP member, you can: • Grow your skills and advance your career • Connect with fellow fundraisers and build your professional network • Learn through education, resources, and industry insights • Lead and help shape the future of philanthropy
Join us on November 5 to celebrate National Philanthropy Day in Colorado NPD Individual Tickets
Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned professional, AFP helps you become the best fundraiser you can be. Discover the value of AFP membership: afpcc.org. Home - AFP Colorado Chapter (afpglobal.org)
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Thanks to our 2026 RMPI Committee RMPI Chairs
Raffael Hoffmann, Bigger Grants LLC Richard Eveleigh, The Nonprofit Strategy Group
Committee
DeAnn Acosta, CFRE, AFP Colorado Chapter Jace Balbach, Mile High United Way Shelby Bates, The Chinook Fund Cheryl Dotson, The Meeting Edge Dolores Garay, Movement Voter Project Hillary Harding, Groundworks Art Lab Tanya Mote, Su Teatro Rich Murray, Judi’s House Heather Orr, WellPower Rob Purper, Arapahoe Food Security Coalition Brittany Vital, TGTHR
Special thanks to Sarah Swanson for hosting RMPI at UCAR for the last three years. And a huge shout-out to Cheryl Dotson as she approaches her retirement at the end of the year. Thanks for all you’ve done for AFP Colorado!
AFP Chapter Office PO Box 24745 | Denver, CO 80224 | 303.394.6388 info@afpcc.org | www.afpcc.org