Her Story
About Aisha
Aisha MorrellFerguson is the Chief Development Officer for COTS in Detroit, Michigan, where she has led fund development efforts since 2018. She brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, fund development, donor engagement, marketing, and media relations to the role. Prior to becoming CDO, she served as a marketing and media relations consultant for COTS beginning in 2010, supporting narrative, storytelling, and donor engagement initiatives. Her professional path includes work in the for-profit sector as an executive assistant and in marketing for an automotive supplier, as well as assisting in the establishment of an international foundation supporting children impacted by HIV-AIDS in Namibia. Aisha earned her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in digital marketing and data analytics from the University of Michigan, Flint. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in public administration at the same institution, with an expected completion in 2028. She also holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential and a certification in professional etiquette and personal development from the American School of Protocol. Aisha attributes her success to her faith, family, and mentor network, and she emphasizes walking in purpose while maintaining balance and rest.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
My faith in God first and foremost. My family and my mentor network have also been crucial. I believe I was created to serve, and success comes from walking in my purpose with peace and passion.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What I do for my vocation and how I serve in ministry are one and the same. Put others and the needs of others first, and everything will be blessed. Follow your heart and chase what you were made for, not the money, while baking in balance and rest to avoid burnout.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow your heart because the thing you are purposed to do is tied to what you love most or what frustrates you most. Tie your skills to what you love or to building solutions for what burdens you. Do not chase the money. Always bake in balance and rest to avoid burnout.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The uncertainty of the landscape, growing needs of families, navigating change while extending hope, finding new solutions as old ones change, time working against us, avoiding overwhelm and burnout while maintaining balance and rest.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is critically important. Integrity, being transparent and willing to share experiences to help others. Peace for myself and others, operating without causing chaos.
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