AFP Member Spotlight: Shey Andrews, MPA

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 Shey Andrews, MPA, database coordinator at Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. He shared with us how he uses data visualization to convey his organization’s mission and empathy to connect with potential donors and fellow AFP members of all identities.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?

A: I started my career in the fundraising profession on a whim. While in graduate school, we learned about the nonprofit sector and its tremendous impact on society. At the same time, I was working as a graduate assistant when a friend shared an open position at the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth (RMHFW). While I did not have any previous experience in the nonprofit/fundraising field, I knew that my calling to help people aligned with their mission and values, and that ultimately carried me through the interview process and landed me the role.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?

A: I joined as an AFP member about a month after joining RMHFW. My teammates were already members and shared how amazing the networking and professional development were. I always appreciate global organizations that also have strong communities at the local level, such as AFP. Since joining the Fort Worth Metro AFP chapter, I have gained many friends in the field who guide me every day along my career and support me in unimaginable ways through conferences, peer learning groups, and affinity groups.

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?

A: I like to think that something innovative is accomplished daily, but if I had to pick a groundbreaking project, it would be my use of data dashboards and visualizations. There are many times when fundraisers discuss metrics with a board member, donor, or other departments, and the story gets lost in the spreadsheets and numbers. That’s where I step in. I think my superpower is using data visualization tools to help tell my organization's story in an impactful and understanding way. People often quote, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” but my twist is that a picture created from data is worth a million. If an organization can utilize data visuals, it can empower them to make data-informed decisions and draw constructive insights.

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

A: My favorite word is sonder! Sonder is the realization that every person passing by has their own life that is as vivid and complex as your own. Think about your daily commute and how many people are on the road, or when you go to the store, and the parking lot is full, and then imagine that each person has their own dreams, disbeliefs, goals, families, trials and tribulations, sources of happiness, etc. As an empath, I can not imagine disregarding someone's life story and where they come from. The world can be harsh and judgemental, so in my career, I always aim to have a positive impact on others and ask myself, “How can I be there for this person during this moment in their life.”

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: My proudest accomplishment is definitely my academic journey. I am a first-generation graduate from a household where both parents did not complete high school. At the minimum, the standard was a high school diploma, but I always wanted to do more. I love my family, and I am grateful for my upbringing, but there were a lot of challenging moments, especially as a freshman. My family did not know how to fill out the FAFSA application, prepare for the SAT, or how college orientation worked. I am proud of how far I have come because not only did I learn how to be strongly independent and disciplined, but I know that no matter your financial situation, what house you live in, or what car you drive, education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you. 

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?

A: Perception is everything, and the great thing about AFP affinity groups is that they provide instant connections with various identities and backgrounds. The ability to see fundraising through the lens of different communities, such as Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, working moms, LGBTQ+, etc., can allow us to create a sense of belonging for fundraising professionals and donors. I have increased my involvement with AFP through Rising Stars, affinity groups, peer learning, and being on a committee, and there is no dollar amount I can assign to the friends and career benefits I have gained so far.  
      
Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?

A: I would say the biggest challenge for nonprofit fundraising is trust. It’s commonly known that higher trust leads to more giving and volunteering. However, some studies show that nonprofits' trust is declining nationwide. I believe factors such as technology and generational beliefs are definitely at play. Social media has been a driving force of growth for nonprofits but can also be the downfall. There is no way an organization can have enough response strategies to combat the immense amount of false allegations or bad experiences someone may post. It takes one post or video going viral for chaos to occur, ultimately questioning the public's trust in the nonprofit.

It may not be a current issue, but in ten years, Generation Alpha (those born between 2010-2024) will start entering the workforce and become donors. Generation Alpha are nicknamed “honey badgers” because, like the animal, they are strong-willed and dangerously confident. As some medical experts have quoted, “They are justice seekers who will stand up to someone three times their size without hesitation.” Hiring them might bring the most determination an organization has seen in years, but as a member of society, they will definitely keep nonprofits accountable and on their toes.    

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals, or people interested in getting into the field?

A: My advice is to follow your heart and not chase a “title.” What I mean by that is having a tunnel vision of becoming the manager, director, or vice president. Instead, chase your passion, and a rewarding career will come to you. As someone who is often the youngest in the room at conferences and meetings, show up being 100% you. Lastly, this may be controversial but do not be afraid to fake it until you make it. I have completed so many projects that I did not necessarily have all the skills to start. This can cause more failures along the way, but I feel I have gained more experience by going through the projects. Don’t wait until you feel confident to start putting yourself in positions to grow.