AFP Member Spotlight: Zein Dhanidina

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 spoke with Zein Dhanidina, founder and executive director of the Refugee Women’s Network, about her path into fundraising, the power of resilience, and her mission to support refugee women resettling in Canada. Zein also shares how AFP membership and affinity groups have fostered her professional growth, sense of belonging, and commitment to ethical, impact-driven fundraising.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there? 
A: I started as a volunteer for Aga Khan Foundation’s World Partnership Walk as a corporate fundraiser. I enjoyed it and was passionate about fundraising, so I left my job as a Montessori Teacher, went to school and did my post-graduate degree in fundraising and resource development.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member? 
A: While in the fundraising program, I was invited to attend an AFP Congress. As a student, I was invited to be a host for one of the sessions. I learned a great deal from attending the conference and decided to join AFP. That was in 2005.

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Resilience. This is how I describe the refugee women I work with and their resilience inspires me to do everything to support them as they settle in Canada.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 
A: 10 years ago, I founded Refugee Women’s Network. I am so proud and so inspired everyday by the women I get to work with. It has become my mission to fundraise and develop programs to support refugee women resettling in Canada. My goal is to ensure they have the tools they need to build a new life for themselves and their families and to do it with confidence and independence. 

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 provided many opportunities for growth. Within my local AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter, I currently serve on the membership committee, chair the IDEA committee, and recently joined the board of directors. It has been an incredible experience working with a board of committed volunteers, ensuring our AFP members have access to the same opportunities.

AFP membership also gave me access to affinity groups. I first learned about the different affinity groups while attending AFP ICON in Toronto in 2024. Being part of an affinity group gave me a sense of belonging and introduced me to other members from around the world sharing similar experiences. It was through this group that I was introduced to the CFRE certification and was encouraged to join Jack Alotto’s study sessions.  

There are a wide range of affinity groups highlighted on the AFP Global events page, giving members a place to come and share their struggles, their strengths, and explore new opportunities. I encourage all members to find one that resonates with them. 

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: Using AI has been a challenge for me in fundraising today because it is unfamiliar and there are different opinions around the use of it for fundraising. There is also an ethical component which can be tricky if you don’t understand AI.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals? 
A: Dive deep and learn as much as you can by listening and asking questions. Fundraising is a special career that helps you find your passion for a cause and encourages you to fight for the cause. It is a really rewarding career when you know that you are helping make a difference.