Courtney West

I attribute much of my success to the foundation my parents gave our family. As the oldest of six children, I had the privilege of watching firsthand the values they modeled every day—hard work, perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to education. Both of my parents were first-generation college students, so they understood the transformative power of opportunity and made learning a priority in our home.

They consistently encouraged all six of us to pursue higher education and to aim high in whatever paths we chose. Because of their guidance and sacrifice, most of us went on to earn professional degrees beyond our undergraduate studies. Their belief in our potential created an environment where achievement felt both possible and expected.

More than anything, they gave us a strong foundation of discipline, ambition, and gratitude. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised by parents who invested so intentionally in their children’s futures, and I credit much of who I am today to their example and unwavering support.

The best advice I’ve received came from my former CEO. It was less about career advancement and more about leadership accountability. He told me that when you are in a leadership position, you are ultimately responsible for everything that goes right—and everything that goes wrong. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my career.

He emphasized that when someone on your team makes a mistake, the first response should be reflection rather than blame. In most cases, people genuinely want to do good work and succeed. As leaders, we have to ask ourselves whether expectations were clearly communicated, whether the objective was well defined, and whether the team was given the resources and support needed to succeed.

That advice shaped my leadership philosophy: success is built by creating clarity, providing the right tools, and empowering others to perform at their highest level. Strong leaders do not simply manage outcomes—they create the conditions that allow people to thrive.

My advice to young women entering philanthropy, fundraising, or higher-education advancement is to recognize that relationships are at the heart of this work. Success in this field is not built solely on asking for support—it is built on trust, authenticity, listening well, and understanding how to connect people’s values with opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

I would also encourage them to be confident in the unique perspective they bring to the table. Women often lead with emotional intelligence, collaboration, and strong communication skills—qualities that are incredibly valuable in relationship-driven professions. Never underestimate the power of empathy, preparation, and professionalism.

At the same time, commit yourself to continuous learning. Learn the business side of your organization, understand strategy, become comfortable discussing finances, and seek mentors who will challenge and guide you. The more knowledge and confidence you build, the more effective you will become.

Finally, remember that your reputation matters. Be dependable, be gracious, and always follow through on your commitments. In industries built on trust and long-term relationships, integrity and consistency will open more doors than you can imagine.

One of the biggest challenges in philanthropy and higher education advancement right now is navigating a more competitive and rapidly changing giving environment. Universities and nonprofit organizations are working to engage donors at a time when economic uncertainty, shifting priorities, and increased demand for transparency are influencing where and how people choose to give. Many institutions are also balancing rising operational costs and evolving funding needs, which makes strategic philanthropy more important than ever.

At the same time, donor expectations have changed. Today’s supporters want to understand the measurable impact of their gifts, feel personally connected to the mission, and know that their investment is creating real outcomes. That requires institutions to communicate more effectively, steward relationships intentionally, and demonstrate accountability in meaningful ways.

The greatest opportunity, however, is that philanthropy remains one of the most powerful ways to create access and transform lives. In higher education, a single scholarship can change a student’s future, and one visionary gift can strengthen programs, facilities, and innovation for generations. There is also tremendous opportunity through technology and data, which allow advancement professionals to build stronger relationships, personalize engagement, and reach new generations of donors in more effective ways.

For me, the future of this field is incredibly promising. People still want to make a difference—they simply want to do it with purpose, trust, and impact. Our responsibility is to meet that moment well.

The values that matter most to me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, faith, service, and gratitude. Integrity is foundational—I believe in being honest, keeping my word, and treating people with fairness and respect. Trust is built through consistency, and I strive to lead and live in a way that reflects that principle.

Faith is also a guiding value in my life. It shapes how I view purpose, relationships, and the importance of serving something greater than myself. It gives me perspective during challenges and reminds me to approach others with compassion and humility.

Service is central to the work I do and to the life I want to live. I believe we are called to use our talents and opportunities to help others, strengthen our communities, and create pathways for people to succeed. That commitment is one of the reasons philanthropy and higher education have been such meaningful fields for me.

Finally, gratitude is something I try to practice daily. I have been blessed with strong family support, meaningful opportunities, and experiences that have shaped me. Remembering that helps me stay grounded, generous, and mindful of the responsibility to give back whenever I can.