Calling for Fall 2024 Protégés and Mentors!

By Kitty Snow, Director of Advancement, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign

It is often said that the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. I can’t think of any program where this pertains more than AFP Chicago’s Peer Mentoring program. 

To be a protégé and connect with an experienced fundraising professional who can provide personal guidance through a career path, to learn more fundraising essentials, or make new contacts – these opportunities can be career game-changers.

And to be a mentor with a front-row seat to someone new or developing in the fundraising profession as they blossom along their path is wonderfully fulfilling. 

I have had the pleasure of being in both positions.

In 2022, at a midpoint in my philanthropy career, I felt I had plateaued and needed to make a change. But I didn’t want to do it alone. I wanted a voice of reason to be in my corner, as a sounding board of sorts to help me accurately assess my skills and experience so that I could figure out where I wanted to be next. As a protégé, I could not have asked for a more successful mentoring experience than with my mentor, John Huebler, CFRE, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Alumni Relations and Development. 

Now I’m in the role of mentor to a young fundraising professional, Felicia Jia, Supporter and Marketing Lead at KAN-WIN. It’s been a pleasure to work with her and help her navigate through many of the early-career experiences I once dealt with. When I asked Felicia what drove her decision to seek a mentor’s help, she shared that, “as I began my career in the fundraising space, I knew I didn't want a one-size-fits-all learning experience. I sought a mentor because I knew that they would be able to provide me with guidance and support unique to me and my professional journey. Having a mentor has given me so much new insight and confidence in navigating my career!" And bonus! I’m benefiting, too. See the first sentence of this article. 

I asked fellow Peer Mentor and one-time protégé Kimberly Vann, CFRE, Director of Foundation Relations and Grants, at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, what’s been the best part about her mentoring experience. She shared that “mentoring has challenged me to reflect on what I have learned throughout my career and convey those learnings to another fundraiser. Watching my protégé grow professionally has been a deeply rewarding and satisfying experience. Plus, mentoring has helped me become a better leader for my team at work.” It doesn’t get any better than that!

To those who are concerned about how effective you’d be as a mentor, fellow mentor Jenna Plakut, Senior Director of Alumni Giving, RUSH University, has this advice: “Everyone comes to the field with different backgrounds and experiences. It is ok to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. The committee does an excellent job of matching protégés and mentors.”

If this sounds like the kind of rewarding experience that you’re ready for – either as a protégé or a mentor – please consider applying for the Peer Mentoring program. The application deadline for the Fall 2024 class is Friday, September 20. The Committee will match a maximum of 15 pairs. Questions? Contact Co-Chairs Christopher Chantson or Jennifer Dettloff.

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