AFP Member Spotlight: Mohamed Abdelrahman, MBA, CFE, QIA, CRMA, PCBCM, CAP

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 Mohamed Abdelrahman, MBA, CFE, QIA, CRMA, PCBCM, CAP, one of AFP’s at-large directors, newly elected to the AFP Global Board of Directors for 2025. He shared with us how he moved from consultancy to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of empathy, truth, IDEA, and volunteering in driving impactful change. 

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there? 
A: I began my career in the nonprofit sector on the consultancy side, where I provided financial services to organizations across the Middle East, collaborating with both international and grassroots NGOs. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact these nonprofits had on millions of lives around the world inspired me to transition from advising to directly contributing. This led me to take on a leadership role at Egypt’s largest NGO, where we delivered millions of services annually. It was here that my career truly pivoted, as I discovered my passion for fundraising—an essential driver in sustaining the impact and growth of life-changing initiatives.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member and how did you become a volunteer?
A: Volunteering is at the heart of the nonprofit world, and it’s an integral part of who I am. For nearly 25 years, my commitment to volunteering has taken many forms, each deepening my passion for creating positive change. My decision to become a member of AFP was driven by the growing significance of the fundraising profession, particularly within our local chapter in Egypt. Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Egypt’s Country Champion for the IRF4NPO global initiative, in addition to dedicating seven years to the AFP Egypt Chapter and contributing to the AFP Global Nominating Committee. Today, I am honored to serve as a member of the global AFP board. Volunteering is a powerful tool for change as it offers a helping hand where it's needed most, and it has the power to transform countless lives.

Q: Can you share with us a little bit about the path you took within AFP that led you to board service? 
A: My involvement with the AFP Egypt Chapter, coupled with my role in the AFP Nominating Committee in highlighting board members, has been instrumental in shaping my contribution to both the association and the fundraising profession. This experience paved the way for my appointment to the board, where I continue to support and advance our shared mission. In the realm of mentorship, I have been fortunate to learn from extraordinary leaders like Birgit Smith Burton, whose unwavering dedication and insightful guidance have been a constant source of inspiration. Her mentorship has not only enriched my own professional journey but also deepened my commitment to the values we uphold in the nonprofit sector.

Q: What is one skill you think is invaluable as a fundraising leader?
A: Empathy is a cornerstone of achieving meaningful outcomes. It enables us to connect with others, appreciate diverse perspectives, and approach challenges with both an open mind and an open heart. Like any skill, the ability to cultivate empathy can be developed and strengthened over time. Its transformative power extends far beyond fundraising, it enriches every profession, fostering collaboration, understanding, and lasting impact.

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Truth is the foundation of everything I stand for, both personally and professionally. It has been a guiding principle in shaping many of my decisions over the years. At the heart of our profession lies truth, whether it's being transparent with our donors or staying true to the needs of our beneficiaries. I see truthfulness as one of the most important pillars upon which our profession is built. Being truthful first to your own self influences a lot of decisions you will make.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 
A: I was deeply honored to receive the UNESCO Prize for Women’s and Girls’ Education at the prestigious UNESCO Grand Theatre in Paris, France representing my organization. This moment stands as a defining highlight of my career, a powerful reminder that the work we do has a lasting impact and never goes unnoticed. It reaffirmed my belief that when we dedicate ourselves to meaningful causes, our efforts resonate far beyond what we see.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: The lack of a clear career path for new entrants and young fundraising professionals often leads to uncertainty and, in many cases, career shifts. Without defined pathways for growth and development, it becomes challenging to retain emerging talent in the field, hindering both individual and sector-wide progress.

Q: What is one goal you have for your time on the AFP board?
A: As a practicing Muslim of Coptic Egyptian heritage, one of my core values is supporting and advancing IDEA—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. I am deeply committed to fostering environments where everyone, regardless of their background, is valued and empowered to thrive.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals? 
A: Never give up. We face countless challenges every day, but it's crucial to keep sight of the cause you believe in. Remember the beneficiaries you serve and the lives you're working to change. Your dedication matters, and your perseverance will make all the difference. Keep going and never give up.