Speakers

Kimberly Bottom is a 15+ year veteran in storytelling, with more than a decade of experience helping nonprofits craft messaging to inspire audiences to give, join, and take action. With a background in journalism, team leadership and nonprofit technology, Kimberly brings a practical approach to messaging rooted in curiosity, real human voices, and authenticity. Kimberly has partnered with hundreds of nonprofit teams to sharpen positioning, elevate community voices, and support mission-driven work through modern fundraising technology. Kimberly is now the Director of Community at Velora, connecting nonprofits through shared experiences, best practices, and leading-edge ideas.

Trisha Brauer, fundraising leader with an MBA and top designations like Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) and Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI), is among the nation's elite 3% of auctioneers. Trisha leverages her 15 years of fundraising experience and passion for community to deliver exceptional charity auctions. She has previously served as a Board member for several professional associations and trains auctioneers nationwide for the National Auction Association. She is one of the nations top fundraising auctioneers, conducting over 125 auctions every year.

Marcus Brewer is a seasoned fundraising and community engagement leader with more than 20 years of experience driving philanthropic growth across education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Marcus currently serves as Director of Individual Giving at Good Reason Houston, where he is building a comprehensive individual giving program from the ground up, focused on high-net-worth donor strategy and long-term engagement. He has led innovative initiatives that strengthen donor engagement, and expand community impact.

With over 14 years of nonprofit experience across child welfare, healthcare, and youth development, Niki Brown knows that the most powerful narratives in philanthropy are those rooted in authenticity. A CFRE with an MPA in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and BA in Communication and Culture Studies, Niki has built a career at the intersection of philanthropy and storytelling. She applies this unique lens to champion ethical philanthropy and compelling communication, building the meaningful relationships necessary to contribute to lasting community impact.

Brandi Brown is the founder and Executive Director of HYPE Freedom School, Inc., a Houston-based nonprofit offering culturally affirming, literacy-based youth programs and year round family support. She launched HYPE in 1999 as a volunteer-driven effort and has grown it into a staffed organization with its own trust-based, sustainable model. Brandi holds a Master's in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University and is a graduate of Southern Methodist University. She is a respected leader in youth development, nonprofit strategy and community based equity and capacity building work.

Amanda Brown Lierman is Vice President of Impact, Policy, and Engagement at GoFundMe and Executive Director of GoFundMe.org, leading efforts in crisis relief and philanthropic giving. A seasoned organizer and advocate, she previously served as Executive Director of Supermajority and held leadership roles at the DNC, Rock the Vote, and For Our Future. Amanda is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Washingtonian 40 Under 40 honoree, and serves on the boards of Strong Schools Maryland and Color of Change.

Adriana “Adri” Brunner is a Vice President, Community Business Strategies–Senior Business Consultant, with 26+ years of experience spanning marketing, community engagement, public relations, product, and business development. She advances community development and economic empowerment by delivering strategic solutions that help entrepreneurs and communities grow sustainably. Her background combines banking, business development, and marketing with deep nonprofit leadership, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community building and lasting impact. Adri serves on boards and committees including MANA de San Diego, Burnham Center for Community Advancement, Chicano Federation, and City Heights CDC. She holds a BS in Economic Sciences and multiple graduate degrees.

Maria Bryan is a career storyteller and Partnerships Marketing Manager at Donorbox. Over the past 18+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, Maria has trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing. Her learning lineage spans a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and professional certifications in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, T. Clay Buck is the Founder & Principal of Next River Fundraising Strategies, a consultancy focused on individual giving, strategy, systems, and storytelling. He also teaches fundraising and strategic planning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is the co-host of the #1 ranked fundraising podcast, Fundraising is Funny. Clay holds a BA from the University of Georgia and a Master of Fine Arts from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), as well as a Master Trainer and Coach.

Dr. David Bulindah is the President of Wakulima USA, an immigrant-led nonprofit advancing food justice, mental health, and economic equity for African diaspora communities. With over 30 years of leadership across mental health, education, and faith-based service, he has developed culturally responsive programs and helped secure over $2 million in funding to launch a community wellness center in Washington State. A licensed mental health professional and strategic leader, Dr. Bulindah holds an honorary doctorate in conflict resolution and offers a unique perspective on how cultural identity, trust, and community voice shape effective and sustainable fundraising.

Elena Burr, MPH, is an award-winning communications leader with over a decade of experience raising funds and awareness for numerous social benefit organizations. As Director of Communications & Outreach at AllThrive 365—the 5th largest healthcare nonprofit in Arizona—she champions health, housing, and connection programs to help all people age with confidence. Elena serves in marketing leadership roles with Young & Empowered Women, Arizona LeadingAge, and the Arizona Health Equity Conference, and holds certificates in Nonprofit Leadership and Marketing.

Birgit Smith Burton is a passionate advocate for equity in philanthropy and the founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers (AADO) Network. She launched AADO in 1999, creating a space where fundraisers of color could access mentorship, education, career support, and a vibrant professional community. What began as a vision has grown into a thriving network serving thousands across North America.

C.F. is the Founder and CEO of Heart Strategy Impact, a boutique fundraising consulting firm in Nashville Tennessee. He is a seasoned fundraising professional with over a decade of extensive expertise, leaving an innovative mark on the organizations he has served raising over $15,000,000 in annual fund and special project campaigns. He has previously served in roles at Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park, Lexington History Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc, Music Academy of the West, University of Louisville, Seven Counties Services, Inc., Centerstone, Park Center and the Andrew Jackson Foundation.

Majoy Camberos is urrently serving as the Artistic and Cultural Director at PALCCO, she brings a multidisciplinary background in administration, logistics, and orchestral production to every project. Passionate about creating impact in the cultural, educational, and philanthropic sectors, she also contributes as a Project Developer at the Ana María Casillas Orphanage. A member of AFP since 2020, she now holds the role of President-Elect on the AFP Occidente Pacífico México board.

Julia Campbell (she/hers) is a nonprofit digital strategist, international keynote speaker, and host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast. Named a top thought leader by Forbes and LinkedIn for Nonprofits, she helps nonprofits build communities and drive impact through digital storytelling and social media. A returned Peace Corps volunteer and author of two books, Julia has trained organizations worldwide—including Facebook, GoFundMe Charity, and Meals on Wheels America. She is also the founder of the Social Media for Social Good Academy and the Nonprofit Social Media Summit.