AFP Member Spotlight: Chris Evans, CFRE

AFP Member Spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you know an inspiring fundraising professional who deserves to be featured, please email afpmarcom@afpglobal.org.

In tIn recognition of Women’s History Month, this month’s Member Spotlights highlight members of AFP’s Women’s Impact Initiative Committee, a group dedicated to addressing the specific issues that women in the fundraising profession face, in an effort to help overcome gender inequity in the profession.

How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there? 
I had an internship at a mental health support center as part of my bachelor’s in psychology program.  I knew nothing about nonprofits and had no idea fundraising was a profession. I was hired for administration support which quickly became database management, donor stewardship, and gala coordination. I realized I could have an impact on causes that are important to me in a way that better used my skills. The rest was history, as they say. 

What are you doing in your current role? 
I’m incredibly lucky. Educational First Steps is creating high-quality and more equitable early education opportunities for kiddos in under-invested communities. We’re investing in the foundation of children’s education, which truly sets the stage for their future. I work closely with donors and corporations in our community that understand the importance of an equitable foundation and high-quality early childhood education. Because our family has moved a few times and my three children have attended various childcare centers, I’ve seen the effects high-quality and low-quality childcare can have. Being passionate about my mission makes it easy to write appeal letters and talk with donors about impact. 

When and why did you decide to become an AFP member? 
I was new to Texas, and I think it was standard in my development department. I had no idea what it involved at first. I soon realized it was going to be a great professional resource, especially being in a new city. 

You’re a member of the Women’s Impact Initiative Committee with AFP. What led to your involvement with this group and what has that experience been like? 
Last August, AFP published its Compensation and Benefits Report. Women are still making significantly less than men in an industry that is majority women. My goal is to advocate for change. Women need to be in more leadership roles. Women need to know how to advocate for themselves and how to find support. And men need to know how to be better allies. Many nuances perpetuate the wage gap and I intend to identify them and pick them apart. AFP and the Women’s Impact Initiative have done some great work, but I don’t think it’s loud enough. I talk to women all the time who have no idea that salary transparency on job postings can help reduce the wage gap, or that a wage gap even exists. I’m still learning about the work the committee has done in the past and look forward to what can be accomplished.  

When you were last interviewed by AFP as part of our Mental Load of Motherhood Series, you were preparing for the birth of your third child and worried about the lack of parental leave you would be receiving. How did that go? What challenges or support have you experienced in the past year? 
Honestly, it didn’t go well. Something we don’t talk about enough is how expensive and stressful having a child is in the United States. A few thousand dollars, in my case five, for an uncomplicated childbirth with decent health insurance, all the things a baby needs, and record inflation followed by a completely unpaid leave is stressful. It really is no wonder there’s a maternal mental health crisis in this country. I went back to work after eight weeks which is tough; working a hybrid schedule with flexibility really saved me. I did have to fight for a private space to pump at the office, which was incredibly frustrating and factored into my decision to leave. This being my third child, I was used to having uncomfortable conversations and advocating for myself. I don’t know if I would have been able to do that if it was my first child. That’s why I’m so outspoken when advocating for women and caregivers now. Someone needs to do it and I’m comfortable doing so. I’m speaking up for the women who aren’t ready or able to. 

What would you say is the professional accomplishment that you’re most proud of? 
If I can brag on myself, it’s a tie between two things. First, I spoke on a panel at ICON about being a mother in fundraising. It turned into a space for all these women fundraisers to share their experiences and support each other. I felt lucky to be in the room and was so proud to be a part of that. It was a great step in the right direction but so much more support and tools are needed. My other accomplishment was chairing the Philanthropy in Action Conference, which is co-hosted by the Dallas and Fort Worth AFP chapters. It was a tremendous undertaking and one of the most challenging professional experiences I’ve had. But I walked away with a great network of colleagues and friends and experience that will help me in any future role I take on.  

What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals who may be struggling with juggling caretaking and a busy fundraising career?
I acknowledge I come from a place of privilege when I say this: Find an employer that aligns with your values and needs. I need the ability and flexibility to be a mom first without being made to feel guilty or less valued. I’m fortunate to be with an organization that allows me to do that. Know which balls are made of glass, and which are made of rubber. When the time comes, you need to know which can be dropped. Find your people so you have a network of support, personally and professionally. Join the Working Moms Affinity Group and get involved with your local AFP chapter. Everyone can be a part of the change that is necessary.