Influential Woman · Nonprofit

Candice Poucher

Resource Development Gift Officer, Latin American Association

Atlanta, GA

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Graduated Cum Laude Member Association for Fundraising Professionals Member Atlanta Chapter

Her Story

About Candice

I have been working in fundraising for the last four and a half years, and I'm currently the Acting Gift Officer for the Latin American Association. In my role, I work to coordinate partnerships and enhance those partnerships while creating new ones. I work with our constituents to see where their interests lie and how I can help them meet their needs, whether it's volunteering, financial support, or wherever it is they're looking to go. One of my proudest achievements was in 2024 when we reached $1 million for our gala. It was a team effort, but definitely a small but mighty team, and surpassing our goal of about $850,000 to reach that milestone was pretty huge. Before entering the nonprofit sector, I made a career pivot. I started working in another career out of necessity for reliable work and was a professional hairstylist for 10 years. I was one of the top local stylists in my niche in the city of Atlanta, and I built that clientele up pretty high. COVID allowed a lot of people to re-examine their lives and where they would like to be, and that's when I transitioned into the field I had always wanted to be in, at the root of my college education.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Candice

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to having a good support system. You know, good family, good friends, good partner. That foundation has been essential to everything I've been able to achieve.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received came from the hair industry: fake it till you make it. That mindset has served me well throughout my career transitions and growth.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering this industry is to never be afraid to stop learning or ask questions. As I work with my interns, I always tell them to keep that curiosity alive. And always find a woman in leadership to get advice from. Having a woman mentor can make all the difference in your career.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges I would say we're facing right now are working with a lot of fluctuation in certain administrative processes. We've had a lot of laws changing, and we've had a lot of moving away from support from a federal standpoint. But that challenge has turned into an opportunity. We get to sit down with a lot more foundations that we have never really done before, and we've learned a lot about diversifying our sources of support and just building community like never before. You know, when one door closes, definitely another door opens in this case.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are work ethic, which is one of my top values, loyalty, and just being authentic and true to oneself. These principles guide both my professional and personal life.

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