A terribly self-indulgent look back on my game-changing year.
It's hard to believe that the year is almost over. In the spirit of giving thanks, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the highlights and look ahead at what’s in store for 2023. It is with no doubt that I will look back on 2022 as one of the most exciting and important years of my career. Together, with my colleagues, we’ve made true advances in our field, formed lifelong friendships and truly bettered our communities.
Can you believe 'Ops & Asks' turned three this year? This post marks my thirty-eighth: Ops & Asks is truly the little blog that could! I am humbled by the last twelve months specifically and I'd like to share some highlights with you now. (Check out my 2019 review, 2020 review, and 2021 review too!).
Celebrating Five Years At Planned Parenthood
I don't speak a lot about my day job on this blog but 2022 marked my five-year planniversay at Planned Parenthood. Half a decade of hard work and sweet rewards. This has certainly been a difficult few years for our organization politically but I remain as committed as ever to our mission. Now is our time and I am ready. Five more years- five more years!
Handing Off The AFP-Mentorship Program
In 2020 I, along with a stalwart committee of volunteers, conducted a year of behind-the-scenes work to relaunch the AFP-NYC mentorship program to a stellar group of participants. It was a pleasure to facilitate the growth of our cohort in 2021 and 2022 through establishing connections that strengthen our sector by educating development professionals and nonprofit leaders in best practices in fundraising and applying the high standards of the AFP Code of Ethics.
While it was a tough decision, 2022 marks my final year serving as chair of the AFP-NYC Mentorship Committee. This shift will allow me to focus my efforts locally in Texas and serve in a greater capacity on the AFP Global board. I will be handing off the program to Robin Merle and Susan Shapiro as I wrap up my board service to the NYC chapter. You are in good hands!
Taking The Stage At AFP ICON
I had been looking forward to this for months. AFP's International Conference (ICON) was back for the first time since 2019 after being forced to go virtual due to Covid. I could not wait to attend. I would get a chance to learn, to see old friends, explore a new city- and this time I would be doing so as a Global Board Member and speaking from the main stage. How exciting! Here are some of my highlights. This was a tremendous opportunity and I could not recommend it more highly if you are seeking professional development. See you in New Orleans?
Attending My First AFP LEAD
In October I had the pleasure of attending my first AFP LEAD conference and phew- what a ride. It was an awesome opportunity and you can read about some of my highlights here.
From seeing old friends and attending workshops, to conducting board work and strategic planning, I had a blast. I am already counting down to next year! Will I see you there?
Speaking At Harvard, Again!
Once again, I want to thank my friend Jared Fox for inviting me to speak at Harvard University's class, Power to the People: Black Power, Radical Feminism, and Gay Liberation. Over the course of ninety minutes, we discussed what it takes to sustain yourself on a career in social justice. We reminded students that you can earn a living while helping your communities but it is crucial that we prepare ourselves for the long-term work. Check out my key takeaways here and see you next year, Harvard!
Renewing My CFRE Credentials
I remember it like it was yesterday. I learned of the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2011 and immediately added it to my "to-do" list. I was young and naive and didn't yet know it would take me years before I would even qualify to test. Ha!
I know that my colleagues holding the CFRE credential uphold the highest standards in ethics and professionalism in fundraising, and serve with a higher level of knowledge and accountability—factors that are vital for superior fundraising results. Considering that the CFRE certification is the only accredited certification for fundraising professionals and is recognized as the global standard for fundraising professionalism, I couldn't wait until it was my turn.
After many study sessions and sleepless nights, I formally attained my CFRE in September 2019. In 2022 I submitted my application to renew my credentials and am proud to report that I was awarded them through 2025. Here is to the future!
Serving On The AFP Global Board
I had been waiting to share the news for a long time. Six years long. As many of you know, I have been a dedicated supporter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for the majority of my career. After joining in 2015 as a general member of the NYC Chapter, I was excited to soak up all I could learn from their activities. I attended workshops, made lifelong friends at networking events, and had a blast at their conferences.
In 2017, I joined their Emerging Leaders Committee and then was asked to serve as the committee chair in 2018. I could not have been more excited. After chairing this committee, I was then elected to serve on the AFP-NYC board and began to chair their Mentorship Committee. All along the way I was writing articles for their magazine, Advancing Philanthropy, serving on their Women's Impact Initiative, and was humbled to accept the Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser award at the AFP International Conference in 2019. AFP has impacted my career greatly and I could not be more proud to serve the sector through these efforts.
Flash forward six years and, beginning this year, I started serving on the AFP Global Board. I am proud to conduct these duties in the name of empowering individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy. This goes to show you, never give up on your passions. The fruits are in the labor. Onward to next year!
Happy New Year and see you in 2023! Do you think we can hit fifty posts!?
Juliana M. Weissbein, CFRE is a respected leader and decision influencer in regard to fundraising operations best practices. With over a decade of experience, Juliana thrives on professional growth, team success, measurable results, and inspiring fundraisers to utilize data-based strategies. Juliana currently serves as the Associate Director of Development Operations at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She is an AFP Global Board Member, AFP Global's 2019 Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser and is a member of the AFP Global Women's Impact Initiative. Juliana is immediate past chair of the AFP New York City chapter’s Emerging Leaders Committee and currently serves on the chapter’s board chairing their mentorship program. She resides in Houston, TX and never turns down a good kombucha.