AFP Member Spotlight: Peri Johnson

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 Peri Johnson, development manager at Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School. She shared with us how she fell into fundraising after her initial career plans changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has now fully embraced the profession, becoming deeply involved in AFP, as well as AADO, both of which have provided numerous opportunities for networking and education.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: Following the trend of numerous fundraisers that I have gotten to work with and know, I "fell into fundraising" shortly after graduating from university. At that time, I was actually set to do a government facilitated teaching program based in Japan, continuing with my field of study, but due to the pandemic, plans ended up changing. I was fortunate to land a role doing corporate relations for the development team at a large arts organization in Washington D.C., and within a month I realized I deeply enjoyed the work I was doing and began to pursue it as a career. 

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I am now four years into my fundraising career and was looking to find the next steps to help transition myself from entry level to mid-level. A year ago, at my current organization, I worked with an incredible manager who recommended AFP to help me work towards my goals. In my first few months of being in AFP, I was able to take part in a virtual conference through AFP Global and attend an AFP D.C. networking event which opened the door to relationships and fundraising knowledge that I would not have gotten otherwise. From there I knew that I wanted to make the most out of my time with my membership. 

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: One of the biggest proponents of fundraising that I have taken with me to each organization and recommend for others is building interest and relationships through exclusivity. My best engagement with donors has come from creating unique experiences exclusive to my organization alone that compel them to give in order to experience what is not readily available to the general public. The best benefit is that you can create an exclusive experience no matter what organization you are at; it just requires creativity, uniqueness, and a draw that brings the donor in. 

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: My favorite word in this career field is "tenacity." Fundraising is incredibly gratifying work, however, it also comes with its challenges. Even though I am only four years into my career, I have felt the ups and downs of being in a workforce that gives but also takes a lot. Without being tenacious, and continuing to drive myself with the love of the work that I do, I would have left this field. Whether a person is in a large organization or a small shop, it is important to have that determination and love of the work to be able to persist so that the bad moments don't outweigh the good. 

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Over the last year, I have accomplished numerous goals that have strengthened my professional development. I was selected to be part of the AFP/Alford Group Women's Impact Initiative Mentorship Program, was chosen as a recipient of the BRIDGE and AADO conference scholarships, and was promoted within a year of being at my current organization! Out of everything, getting my first promotion in my professional career has felt the best. I am so incredibly grateful as well to AFP Global, AFP D.C., AADO, and all of my mentors and peers who have supported my growth!

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?
A: Being an AFP member has greatly advanced my career by giving me access to invaluable fundraising resources. Through AFP Global, I was able to attend AFP ICON and through AFP D.C., I attended BRIDGE. I learned so much at both and got to meet some incredible fundraisers. I also want to give a special shoutout to AFP D.C. because through their incredible in-person learning and networking events, I have been able to meet and learn from some incredible fundraisers. Additionally, I recently joined AFP D.C.'s emerging leaders affinity group, and am looking forward to growing with other fundraisers in the same/similar phases of their career. 

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: This may be a controversial opinion, but I have concerns around the presence and usage of AI in the work that we do. I have noticed that AI has become a more prominent topic, and has even been implemented as standard in the work that fundraisers are doing. My concerns surround the lasting environmental impact of AI usage, especially as someone who is Gen Z. Additionally, I think about the balance of not becoming overly reliant on AI to do some of the work that we do. There will always be a human element to fundraising through interpersonal relationships, but it is important that people still remain skilled in their profession. I believe that AI is inevitable, but I hope to adopt a way to use it mindfully and ethically. 

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals?
A: My best piece of advice as a young fundraiser for other fundraisers is to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! The work we do is important, but your health and wellness are a priority. I hope to encourage people to be mindful and check in with themselves to reflect on their current well-being. If you don't have one already, create a self-care routine you can do at least once a week, and allow yourself to disconnect and reset for at least an hour. We cannot do the work that supports others unless we are supporting and taking care of ourselves.