From Hustle to Harmony: Finding Balance as a Leader with Victor Brooks
The Development Download Podcast
Release Date: 02/05/2025
Investing in Your Growth as a Fundraiser with Rice’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we’re joined by Sara Ralston, M.Ed., Associate Director of Operations for the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. We explore what brings fundraisers to seek out additional training, credentials, or continuing education. Sara shares what participants are typically hoping to gain, what they often walk away with beyond their expectations, and how to think strategically about investing in your own growth. We also discuss the programs offered through...
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Make Networking Work for You (Just in Time for the Ask the Experts Conference)
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we’re joined by Jamie Spiva, CFRE, Senior Director of Major Gifts and Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and LaGina Rae Harris, owner of The Us Space and a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Jamie also serves as Chair of AFP Greater Houston’s 2026 Ask the Experts Conference. Together, we explore how to make networking actually work for you. We focus on one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of networking: the follow-up. Jamie and Lagina share creative, actionable ways to build on the energy of a first meeting and...
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Be the Obvious Yes: How to Stand Out from Resume to Interview with Michelle Buchanan
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we’re joined by Michelle Buchanan, Principal at Dini Spheris. Michelle brings a hiring-side perspective to a conversation many professionals are navigating right now: how to stand out in a crowded job market. We walk through the full job search cycle, from networking and resume submission to interviews and follow-up. Michelle shares what actually gets noticed, common missteps candidates make, and practical ways to position yourself more strategically at every stage of the process. If you are actively job hunting or preparing for...
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How Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Built a Seven-Figure Gala
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we’re joined by Shelly Millwee and Jess Ansel from Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Shelly serves as President and CEO, and Jess is Vice President of Philanthropy. Together, they share how their chapter built a seven-figure gala from the ground up. We explore the thoughtful planning and foresight behind the event, how they centered mission at every stage, and how they designed meaningful, mission-driven moments that inspired guests. This conversation is a strong reminder that successful galas don’t happen by accident....
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Top 3 Strategies to Transform Your Fundraising in 2026 with Eldon Lewis
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we’re joined by Eldon Lewis of LewisOrellana Inc for a lively conversation on strategies you can implement today to transform your fundraising heading into 2026. As the new year begins, Eldon shares three practical, high-impact strategies that development professionals can use to reset priorities and strengthen their fundraising efforts. Drawing on his experience as a fundraiser and consultant, this conversation focuses on concrete ideas, realistic first steps, and a lively pep talk to get you fired up for 2026. LinkedIn: ...
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Mentor Moment with Christine Ann Stevens
The Development Download Podcast
This episode of The Development Download features Christine Ann Stevens, MBA, CFRE, SHRM-CP, incoming Board President for AFP Greater Houston. We talk about mentorship, the return of AFP Greater Houston’s mentorship program, and what a strong mentoring relationship can look like in practice, including a live mentoring moment with Sarah. Christine also gives us a look at what’s ahead for the chapter in 2026. Link to a previous episode of the Development Download featuring Christine speaking on creating a culture of philanthropy at your nonprofit: LinkedIn:
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So You Want to Be a CEO? with Christina J. Allen
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, Christina J. Allen, CEO of FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, joins us to share her journey of moving from fundraiser to executive leader. We talk about what it really takes to step into the top role, building your skills, managing your board, and leading with authenticity. Christina also opens up about seeking feedback, keeping a big-picture vision, and staying the top fundraiser as CEO.
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Hammer Time: How Houston ToolBank Equips Nonprofits with Marly Maskill
The Development Download Podcast
This episode features Marly Maskill, Executive Director of the Houston ToolBank. The ToolBank is a nonprofit lending library that equips other nonprofits with tools and equipment so they can focus resources on their missions rather than overhead. Marly shares how organizations can access ToolBank’s inventory of hammers, power drills, tables, generators, and other event gear to get projects done without the burden of owning or maintaining equipment. The conversation also explores in-kind giving, including when to accept, how to acknowledge, and when it is best to say no, so you can make smart...
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Philanthropy that Shaped Houston with Susan Coulter
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we feature Susan Coulter (Byron Welch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising 2023) to explore the philanthropy that shaped Houston—and what it means for fundraisers working in our city today. We dive into historic gifts that built Houston’s hospitals, parks, and cultural institutions, share insights on what makes Houston’s fundraising landscape unique, and highlight opportunities for today’s fundraisers to build relationships with donors. Plus, we discuss the upcoming National Philanthropy Day Awards and...
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Should You Get Your CFRE? Let’s Talk About It.
The Development Download Podcast
In this episode of The Development Download, we’re digging into what the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential is, why it matters, and how to know if it’s the right move for your fundraising career. You’ll hear from CFREs and AFP Greater Houston board members Ronnie Hagerty and Will Horton, who share how the certification has shaped their professional journeys, what the process was really like, and their best tips for preparing — without burning out. Whether you’re CFRE-curious or already deep into your application, this episode offers...
info_outlineBalance is something new and experienced leaders seek continuously. It can be challenging. However, AFPGHC President Victor Brooks shares how he finds balance in the next episode of The Development Download, “From Hustle to Harmony: Finding Balance as a Leader.”