AFP Member Spotlight: Molina Jean-Louis, MSPT, CLT

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 member spotlight, we interviewed Molina Jean-Louis, executive vice president at the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals. She shared with us how she entered the nonprofit sector to make a broader impact and get back to her cultural roots.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: My path to the fundraising profession was unexpected yet deeply fulfilling. Initially, I embarked on a career as a physical therapist, driven by a desire to help others. However, in 2016, I felt a compelling calling to give back to my cultural roots and make a broader impact. This inner drive led me to the Haiti Tech Summit in 2018, where a chance encounter and a friend's recommendation opened the door to my first role in the nonprofit sector with the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals. Embracing this new direction has allowed me to combine my professional skills and passion for cultural heritage to serve in a more meaningful way.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I joined AFP in the fall of 2020. Being new to the realms of nonprofit and fundraising, I sought an organization that could offer comprehensive learning opportunities, networking, and mentorship. AFP emerged as the perfect platform to fulfill these needs, providing a community where I could grow, learn the nuances of fundraising, and connect with industry professionals and mentors alike. The organization's commitment to best practices and fostering a generous world deeply resonated with me.

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?
A: Membership in AFP and participation in its affinity groups, particularly the African American/Black Affinity Group and the Working Moms Affinity Group, has been incredibly rewarding. These groups have offered me not only a chance to network with like-minded professionals but also a supportive space to share experiences and challenges unique to our backgrounds. The opportunity to engage with others who "look like me" in the profession has been empowering, reminding me that I'm not alone. These experiences have fostered a sense of community and belonging, significantly enriching my professional journey.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: One of the most significant challenges facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today is the need to adapt our fundraising communications strategies to meet the preferences of different generational donors, from Baby Boomers to Millennials, Gen X, and etc. Each generation has its unique communication preferences, making it crucial for fundraisers to develop flexible, multifaceted approaches that can effectively engage diverse donor groups.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: The professional achievement I'm most proud of is carving my own path in the nonprofit sector, leveraging my skills and background to give back to my cultural community. This journey reflects not only my personal commitment to my heritage but also the broader potential of the fundraising profession to create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Service. This word embodies the essence of my career transition and ongoing work in the nonprofit sector. It reflects a deep-seated belief in contributing to the greater good, using one's talents and resources to uplift others. This commitment to service has been a guiding principle in my career, inspiring me to seek opportunities that allow for significant social impact.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals, or people interested in getting into the field?
A: My advice to those in the fundraising field or considering entering it is to embrace the journey with openness and dedication. Fundraising offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse range of individuals and causes, making a tangible difference in the world. I encourage aspiring professionals to view fundraising not just as a career but as a life-changing journey that enriches both the fundraiser and the communities they serve. Stay open to learning, seek out mentorship, and remember that the art of asking can open doors to countless opportunities for growth and impact.