Carly Plate

The best career (and life) advice I’ve received is to treat others the way you would want to be treated. That perspective guides how I approach my work every day. If I choose to support an organization I care about, I would want to clearly see the impact of my contribution, no matter the size, because it represents my dedication to the cause.

I carry that mindset into how I engage with others, especially donors. I believe it’s important to help them truly experience the difference they’re making and to feel valued for their support. Demonstrating appreciation in a way that feels genuine and meaningful goes a long way. It doesn’t always have to be something big—often, the simplest gestures of gratitude are the ones that resonate most.

My advice to young women entering donor relations is to be a sponge—learn as much as you possibly can! This field is built on relationships with people from all walks of life, each with their own stories, motivations and reasons for giving. Take the time to truly listen and understand what matters to them, what inspires them and what kind of impact they want to see. The more you listen, the better you’ll be able to create meaningful experiences that reflect what your donors value, rather than what you assume they want. Let their voices guide your work.

At the same time, don’t be afraid to try new things. If your organization has always done things a certain way, bring forward fresh ideas and thoughtful innovations. Be confident in sharing them, and open to seeing what resonates. Growth often comes from being willing to step outside of the routine.

Above all, stay grounded in the communities you serve. When you truly understand people’s passions and experiences, you can shape efforts that are more impactful, more personal and more meaningful every day.

Like many other industries, leveraging AI is one of the biggest opportunities in Donor Relations currently. With rapidly-evolving technology at our fingertips, we are looking into predictive data that can analyze giving behavior, philanthropic history and engagement patterns to help tailor stewardship efforts for each individual, without losing emotional connection and authentic gratitude.

Authenticity and empathy are at the core of how I approach both my work and my life as a mother of two. I believe in being present and showing up genuinely—building meaningful, honest relationships where others feel valued and appreciated. In the donor relations industry, that means creating sincere connections and expressing gratitude in a way that truly reflects the impact donors make.

Empathy guides how I listen and understand others, recognizing that every person has their own story and motivation. Whether through work or in raising my children, I strive to lead with compassion and intention. I’ve found that the most meaningful relationships are built through simple, genuine moments of understanding and care.