Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Venue: Zoom
Program Description: This session reframes introversion as a fundraising superpower and offers practical tools to help introverts (and those who manage or work with them) thrive in donor-facing roles. Drawing on 25 years in fundraising, I’ll explore why quieter, reflective personalities are often uniquely well-suited to authentic, values-based donor relationships—through deep listening, thoughtful questions, and the ability to process complex ideas into compelling cases for support. We’ll unpack common myths like introverts can’t be great fundraisers and look at how overthinking and trying to perform as an extrovert can actually get in the way of genuine connection.
Participants will leave with concrete strategies they can use right away: a small set of go-to questions to guide donor conversations, mindset shifts to reduce anxiety, and ideas for structuring roles and meetings so introverts feel more control and confidence. We’ll also touch on how managers and boards can better support introverted fundraisers and board members, making fundraising feel more natural, sustainable, and effective for a wide range of personalities.
Speaker Bio: With nearly 25 years in fundraising and nonprofit leadership work, Brieanna believes in challenging the status quo and bringing out the best in the sector. In her role as Director of Fundraising Services and Marketing at FundEd Strategies she provides strategic guidance and philanthropic expertise to partner schools and K-12 organizations while also leading the marketing and communications strategy for the firm.
With education equity at the forefront of her work, Brieanna has experience in higher education, K-12 education reform and college access and success organizations. She was responsible for building and elevating annual giving programs at Indiana University, University of North Florida and Butler University. While at Stand for Children, Indiana she doubled revenue and built a culture of philanthropy that continues today.
Brieanna holds a Masters of Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from IU Bloomington. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her mini goldendoodle Maelyn and enjoys cheering on the Colts and Hoosiers during football season and spending time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.
Membership: Only $50 /year for 10 programs plus other PIDN benefits.
Drop-In: $20 per program ($15 for professionals new to the field)