AFP Affinity Group Speaker Series: The Journey & Perspectives of Two Black Fundraisers

Join us for a special 1.5 hour event featuring two distinguished African American development professionals who will share their unique journeys and perspectives as Black fundraisers. These two speakers include former AFP Board chair Alphonce Brown, Jr. and Morgana Nieves who will discuss the challenges they have faced, the triumphs they have achieved, and the invaluable lessons they have learned along the way. Through their stories, they will highlight the importance of diversity in fundraising, the impact of representation, and the power of community support. 

This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in gaining deeper insights into the world of fundraising from a Black perspective and learning how to foster inclusivity and success in this vital field. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and informed by their remarkable experiences! With breakout sessions and networking.

Objectives:

• Understand the challenges of being a Black development professional 20+ years ago. 
• Understand the challenges of the modern day younger fundraiser of color.
• Meet & network with other African American fundraising peers.
   

Hosted by: The AFP African American/Black Affinity Group

Speakers:

Alphonce J. Brown, Jr., ACFRE has worked with large established nonprofits, as well as small grassroots organizations for almost thirty-seven years. He also has consulted with local, state and federal governmental agencies and international NGOs.  He currently serves as the director of development and alumni relations at the Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL.

He was the director of development, National Minority AIDS Council, Washington, DC; vice president, University Advancement of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA; president & CEO of the Prairie View A&M University Foundation; assistant dean of External Relations at the College and Graduate School of Business, University of Texas at Austin—and has held senior positions at a number of other nonprofit organizations.  He has considerable expertise in the areas of strategic planning, feasibility studies, organizational assessments, board development, volunteer management and fund development.

Brown is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, an Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE), and an AFP Master Trainer. He is a past chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)—a 26,000-member global professional organization. 

 Morgana Nieves' journey began with a detour from a business path to Public Relations before her freshman year of undergrad, leading to a double major in PR and International Studies, fueled by her fluency in Spanish. This foundation steered her toward philanthropy, merging her passions in the international entertainment arena. Her career sprouted from working with an athlete’s nonprofit, envisioning a future as an Entertainment Publicist. Leadership roles in Magazine, Music, Film, and Hospitality PR, alongside studying abroad in London and graduate studies in Business Marketing, shaped her journey. 

Her diverse heritage and global connections inspired her philanthropic passions, leading to a pivotal role at a pediatric healthcare foundation in Miami. She raised nearly $2M for charity by managing events and corporate partnerships. She aspires to pursue a PhilD with The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, as she continues working with Leadership Florida in development and member services. She lives in Miami with her husband, Eddie, and two children, EJ (9) and Nya (4).