Her Story
About Christine
I'm a fundraising consultant who has been in the nonprofit sector for 12 years, spending 8 to 10 of those years in nonprofit leadership before specializing in fundraising around 2021. My work focuses on grant management, fundraising strategy consulting, board training, and succession planning. I've found my niche in international fundraising, which I consider one of my most notable professional achievements alongside acquiring my CFRE certification, which is the global standard certification for fundraisers and stands for Certified Fundraising Executive. My educational background is actually in the STEM field with a master's in pharmacy, as most fundraisers of my generation didn't go to school specifically for fundraising. Along the way, I acquired formal training including my Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy certification, which was a notable professional education milestone that contributed to my work as a fundraiser. I'm a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in both the Global and Chicago chapters, as well as the Kenyan Association of Fundraising Professionals. I describe myself as a one-woman outfit running a small, lean operation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say business values that have been passed down to me by my father, and discipline that was passed down to me by my mom, and then having my husband as a cheerleader as well. These foundational values and the support system around me have been instrumental in my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
During COVID when I lost my executive leadership job, I was devastated. One of my mentors, the late Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, told me something that has stayed with me ever since: it's not important to grieve a job when you still have your purpose. She said, just keep working your purpose, because jobs will come and go. That advice completely shifted my perspective and helped me understand that my purpose is bigger than any single position.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
First of all, the sector needs them. Second, many have gone before them, so we are here for them. As fundraisers, they need to be intentional about mobilizing resources for themselves as much as they are for others, for their clients, for their organizations. They also need to remember to resource themselves, however that looks like, be it self-care, be it wellness, be it professional development, be it career coaching, whatever it is. I think sometimes we are so consumed with raising money and mobilizing resources for others and for our communities that we forget ourselves, and so I wouldn't want to see them burn out.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think especially in the area that I specialize in, international fundraising, it's the reduction of foreign aid to the Global South. It's really shifting the trajectory of international fundraising, and yeah, I would say right now that's what we're up against the most.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say integrity, reliability, and honesty are the values most important to me in both my work and personal life.
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