AFP Member Spotlight: Elise Baker

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 this AFP member spotlight, we interviewed Elise Baker, development & impact officer at Accessity. She shared with us how she discovered her passion for nonprofit work early, landing in a development role where she thrived and grew into a confident advocate for equitable practices like Community-Centric Fundraising. As an AFP member, she has leveraged mentorship and resources to navigate challenges in the field, emphasizing the importance of passion, balance, and continuous learning.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession, and what led you there? 
A: I have known that I wanted to work in nonprofits since I was 13, and I volunteered at one in Portland. In 2015, I had been looking for a job at a nonprofit after college and landed in a development department. During that first job, I had to step up while my manager was on maternity leave, and I found I had a knack for fundraising and enjoyed the work! Seven years later and I am so happy I found this profession where my skillset can make a difference. 

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member? 
A: I decided to become an AFP member in the past few years while I could still be a “Young Professional” and wanted to have access to the resources and networking that AFP provides.

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: I have been learning more and becoming more active with the Community-Centric Fundraising movement. I think all fundraisers could benefit from looking at their information, seeing some of the ways we are not equitable, and having hard conversations and making changes to the nonprofit sphere to come out the other side more grounded in racial and economic justice. 

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: My favorite word is Sonder, meaning, “The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.” I am a chronic people watcher and love seeing how people interact with our world. Life can get so insular and self-centered. It is easy to relate to those close to you; it is harder to put yourself in strangers’ shoes, especially those you might disagree with or have nothing in common with. In my work, I try to relate everything back to being human beings working with other human beings—everyone has their complex lives behind the scenes. The work we do is important, but taking a step back can be very grounding. 

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 
A: I am proud of my growth as an advocate and fundraiser. I have worked with three organizations and have grown in each, in my ability and confidence. As a young female in the fundraising space, it can be daunting, but finding your voice to speak up if something isn’t right is powerful.  

Q: How has being an AFP member benefited you in your career? 
A: I am currently in the AFP San Diego chapter mentorship program, which has benefitted me. I have been very fortunate to have mentors in my career, but this program allowed me to be matched with someone I would not have necessarily found in my network, and the wealth of knowledge has been amazing. 

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: I think that there is a divide between the old guard, classic fundraising, and the newer ideas — taking a look at fundraising culture and seeing ways we have fallen into habits that may be counterintuitive to our work. Take the time to look at the 10 Principles of Community-Centric Fundraising and see which ones your organization or your personal job may be already implementing, and where there could be some growth opportunities. 

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals or people interested in getting into the field? 
A: I know it can be competitive, and job searching can be challenging and discouraging, but fundraising starts with passion. Find a cause you are passionate about and try to find an organization with a development role open in that field. If you are a fundraiser, you will constantly speak and write about this program; if you are passionate about it, the work is easier. Always advocate for your time, compensation, and boundaries as it relates to your position to keep your work/life balance in check.