Thursday, October 18, 2018

AFP WII Mentoring and Leadership Development Program


An accomplished nonprofit executive, Joy Chesbrough draws on more than two decades of experience in her role as founder and CEO of nonprofit consulting firm Philanthrovation. An active member of the larger philanthropic field, Joy Chesbrough belongs to professional groups such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Founded more than 50 years ago, AFP has emerged as the leading professional organization for individuals in the fundraising and nonprofit industries. In addition to advocating for the industry at the legislative level, AFP offers a range of professional development, educational, and networking programs, including the Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) Mentoring and Leadership Development Program.

A new program for 2019, the WII initiative is designed to help women in the fundraising industry develop the leadership skills and training needed for executive organizational positions. In recent years, women have increasingly entered the fundraising sector and now make up nearly 70 percent of all AFP members. Despite this, women hold only about 20 percent of executive positions.

The new leadership program will match early-to-mid-career women in the field of fundraising with experienced mentors for a 10-month mentorship period. In addition to one-on-one coaching from an industry veteran, mentees accepted into the program will receive benefits such as credits toward tuition for AFP courses, free registration for the 2019 AFP Women’s Impact Summit, and a range of skills-based training sessions. 

To learn more about the WII Mentoring and Leadership Development Program, please visit afpidea.org/wii/mentoring_program.