Next-Gen Impact: Navigating Donor Communication with Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z Donors

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we look at generational differences and how they factor into our fundraising. How can emerging leaders help our organizations connect with Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z donors? Hosts Emily and Allison are joined by Abbi Haggerty, Sara Greene, Annie Rae Carlton, and Miranda Huffer, a multi-generational development team at the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. 

Guests: 

Abbi Haggerty  – Executive Director 
Abbi was named Executive Director of Richmond Performing Arts Alliance in 2019 after serving the organization in senior-level development roles. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Abbi has expertise in organizational management, strategic planning, community engagement, fundraising, governance, and program design. In prior positions, she worked for VMFA, Museum of Science & Industry (Tampa, FL), Brightpoint Community College, and Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence. Abbi earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Virginia Tech and master’s degree and Ph.D. in public policy and administration (with a concentration in nonprofit management) from VCU.  She is currently an adjunct assistant professor at University of Richmond in the Nonprofit Studies master's degree program and received the Itzkowitz Family Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award in 2023. Abbi is Past Board President of AFP-Central Virginia and chairs the Korn Ferry Emerging Leaders professional development webinar series for AFP Global. 

 

Annie Rae Carlton – Development Manager
Annie Rae began her nonprofit career in Georgia before moving to Richmond in 2019. During the early stages of the pandemic, she shifted her focus from non-profit administration and operations to development. She now serves as the Development Manager for Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, overseeing grant writing and special events. In collaboration with the Development Team, she works to meet fundraising goals and secure essential support for RPAA’s diverse programs and events. Annie holds a BA in Sociology from the University of North Georgia.

 

Sara Greene – Director of Development
Sara has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. She joined the RPAA team in April, 2013 and has held several titles throughout her tenure with the organization. In her current role as Director of Development she oversees RPAA’s overall fundraising strategies and the work of the Development Team and Associates Board. The Team works collaboratively to meet contributed revenue goals that sustain the work and mission of RPAA through the Annual Fund, grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, the endowment, and more. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Mary Washington.

 

Miranda Huffer – Development Coordinator & Board Liaison (They, Them) 
In their role at RPAA, Miranda manages donor data and communications as well as board logistics while also providing support to the development team on events, grants, and other fundraising needs. Since joining the team in 2023, Miranda has collaborated with the development team to expand RPAA's fundraising capabilities and find new and effective techniques for fundraising and board engagement. They graduated from William & Mary with a degree in Sociology and American Studies, and have been working in non-profit development for over two years.

 

Hosts: 

Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP, Director of National Leadership Giving, Cure SMA: Emily Leitzinger is a fundraising executive with over 15 years of experience driving organizational growth and sustainability through innovative fundraising strategies and donor engagement. She currently serves as the Director of National Leadership Giving at Cure SMA and is particularly proud of launching the first-ever Legacy Society for the organization. Emily is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in philanthropy, as noted in her Master's capstone. In this project, she examines the effects of donor influence on nonprofit operations and proposes frameworks for more balanced and ethical donor engagement. A chartering member and past president of the Mid-City, New Orleans Rotary Club, Emily is affectionately known as the Deputy Governor of "Yes" and is set to become the District Governor of District 6840. In addition to her professional achievements, she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, and craft beer, and is a huge fan of The Office.  She lives in New Orleans with her Elvis-impersonating husband, Mike. 

 

Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing. 

Allison is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. With accolades such as AFP’s Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional, NBJ’s 40 Under 40, NBJ’s Women of Influence, a National Latino Leader, and the Women Who Rock Nashville Social Justice Award, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier strives to serve and better her community every day. A dedicated AFP member for the last seven years, Allison currently chairs the Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Mentorship Program and serves on the LEAD Education Advisory Committee. When she is not out serving her community, she is spending time with her three kids, Quintan, Karina, and Kamren.