AFP Member Spotlight: Jennifer Repka

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 [email protected].

In this member spotlight, we interviewed Jennifer Repka, a board member at Avenues for Autism. She shared with us how an unexpected invitation to board service led her to discover a passion for fundraising. She is now growing her skills through local AFP meetings and embracing early successes like securing her first grant, all while advocating for welcoming new talent into the profession.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: In late 2020 it was suggested that I join Avenues for Autism as a board member. The notion of joining a board had never crossed my mind, and frankly neither had fundraising. At the time I had been working as a lifeguard for Sunshine Communities after college, and was trying to build a career in personal training, so any sort of fundraising work was not a direction I was considering. To me fundraising was a small part of a larger process and I did not understand how expansive it was. However, after speaking with the executive director for Avenues for Autism I decided to join to do some good in my local autistic community. What I discovered was a vast world of interconnected talent, experience, community, and dedication to a singular purpose. Fundraising is teamwork of likeminded individuals striving for a better tomorrow.

Leaving my original goal of personal training behind, I dove into that tomorrow through learning more about fundraising. I did more networking than I ever had before, gaining knowledge in major gifts and grant writing. Along with networking I attended workshops, challenged myself by calling local business for in-kind donations for silent auctions, and was allowed to write some grants for Avenues for Autism when they needed more support. Starting in 2025, Sunshine Communities agreed to having me help in the volunteer department where I have learned more about grant research and event planning, all to both help the community, and gain greater experience.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I joined AFP in October 2025 when I was accepted into the scholarship program. Truth be told I was unsure about applying. Despite being sure that the path I wanted to take in my career was administrative nonprofit work, I did not see what AFP could offer me other than what I currently had. Yet, when I attended a mixer my outlook on it changed! The event was well organized, and the other attendees were easy to speak with. After learning more about the lengths AFP will go to ensure all of its members are supported, I decided to give it a try. My hope going forward is that I can aid AFP in its efforts to grow, as much as it wants to aid in mine. 

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from? 
A: What we have done at Avenues for Autism is be open to the opportunity for change. For instance, we have begun expanding from our traditional fundraisers. Far from the usual luncheons, golf outings, and wine tastings, Avenues has decided to do events such as dueling pianos with a silent auction. Combining ideas helps us both save on expenses, and allows for multiple ways to increase donations.

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Possibility is the word I choose. It delivers endless optimism in the darkest of times, and ideas to those willing to go in a new direction. Without possibility I would never have thought to join AFP, or have had ways to grow my skills. It has inspired me to push myself, and help others to do so as well. 

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am still new to the field, and have many accomplishments yet to come, but while writing grants for Avenues for Autism, I was able to achieve something great in my eyes. My first grant got $5,000! I understand that, especially in AFP, this number is miniscule. But for me, taking my first steps into this space of professionals, it was fantastic. Knowing that my words helped an organization I care about continue their efforts, that is something I take great pride in, and I hope in the future to achieve more.

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?
A: Although I am a new member, I have seen plenty of benefits! Recently I made a connection that has allowed me to seek more education in the field of fundraising locally. And, I have begun connecting with other members which has allowed me to gain greater confidence.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: In my opinion there needs to be more organizations willing to accept new talent into the fold. Although someone may not have 10+ years of experience, if they are shown to be excited about the mission and have some relevant skills they should not be passed over. There will not always be diamonds in the rough, but there will be other gemstones that may need extra buffering to truly shine. If we want more energy in the profession we must take more risks.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals?
A: Do not stop in your search for greater possibilities. Ask questions of other professionals and try new strategies. Always make time to learn and reflect on your efforts. The best way I have found to avoid burnout is to see how far I have come and plan from there. It is never too late for you to go in a new direction, and it is never too late to improve.