Join us for an engaging discussion on how we can collectively strengthen our community through impactful philanthropy and leadership. Let’s come together to share ideas, inspire each other, and take meaningful actions that foster a deeper sense of belonging and drive positive change. Your participation is vital to our mission of empowering individuals and creating lasting impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Examine the historical context of Black Philanthropy and donor motivation.
- Learn how to maximize opportunities with limited resources from community, educational, and social impact non-profit leaders.
- Understand how to develop discovery questions and align engagement strategies to build and sustain meaningful relationships.
- Identify key methods to amplify your organization’s memberships and fundraising.
Moderator:
LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE
Trainer, Fundraising Academy
LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE, possesses two decades in higher education, impacting students through teaching, program management, and her passion, garnering philanthropic support. While employed at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), she led the charge to transition alumni affinity into philanthropy, which resulted in over $4M through amplified crowdfunding loyalty strategies. Williams recently joined Memorial Hermann Foundation and serves as a trainer for National University Fundraising Academy. Former employers include South Texas College of Law Houston, PVAMU, and University of Houston. LaShonda is a member of AFP Houston and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Panelists:
William Bryant, Jr.
Scout Executive/CEO, Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
William Bryant, Jr. is the Scout Executive/CEO Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. He is the immediate past Revenue and Membership Growth Coach for the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. William is a Subject Matter Expert in Fund Development. In his over 15 years of experience, William has raised more than $400 million through annual giving, in-kind donations, special events, and endowment.
William is a graduate of LEAD Atlanta, a leadership program of selected executives from across the state of Georgia. William is very engaged with the National Urban League, where he served as President of the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals and is a very active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Currently, William serves on the Board of Directors for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, Mobile Area Interfaith Conference, National Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Steering Committee of the South Alabama Nonprofit Summit, member of the Mobile Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the Greater Mobile Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America.
William has received the Atlanta Urban League’s Rising Star Award, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Man of the Year Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award of Grambling State University, Outstanding Atlantan Honoree and is the recipient of the coveted National President’s Award through the Boy Scouts. William is an alumnus of Grambling State University and holds an MBA in Nonprofit Administration from Oglethorpe University.
William married the love of his life, Renée Dubois in Miami, FL in November of 2019.
Judith Coleman, CFRE
Associate Director of Development, Donor Relations, Covenant House Illinois
Judith Fagen Coleman is a distinguished development professional with a legacy in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and donor relations. Renowned for her strategic vision, Ms. Coleman has orchestrated transformative fundraising initiatives, cultivated high-impact donors, and pioneered innovative planned giving programs. Her multifaceted expertise encompasses volunteer management, event planning, and communications.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Coleman’s leadership is evident in her dedicated service on numerous boards and committees, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago Chapter Board, the City of St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, and the United Way Services to Youth Allocation and Grants Panel. Her influence in these and other roles has consistently made a lasting and significant impact.
With an unwavering commitment to effective nonprofit management, Ms. Coleman’s strategic approach and dynamic leadership have left an indelible mark on every organization she has touched. Her career is a testament to her passion for fostering positive change and empowering communities.
Ms. Coleman holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Mount Holyoke College and the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential.
Precious Freeman, CFRE
Vice President of National Engagement, Measures for Justice
Precious Freeman, CFRE is the Vice President of National Engagement at Measures for Justice. In this role, she is responsible for determining which communities MFJ will serve next and overseeing the development and execution of a robust model for dialogue and engagement among stakeholders, ensuring the continued use of MFJ’s tools, services, and campaigns.
With nearly two decades of experience, Precious has dedicated her career to engaging, informing, and empowering marginalized communities in the Deep South. Prior to joining MFJ, she served as the Director of Development and External Relations for Woodlawn United in Birmingham, AL. Her extensive experience includes leading community initiatives as the Executive Director of the G.W. Carver Interpretive Museum, President of the Dothan Community Relations Group, and creator of Blueprint City®, a grassroots, citizen-led initiative that became a top priority for the Mayor and City Commission of Dothan, Alabama.
Precious is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds a B.S. degree in Integrative Studies/Communications from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has served as a member of numerous boards, including the Dothan Housing Authority Commission and the National Commissioners Committee for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. She currently serves on the Leadership Alabama Commission on Race and Equity.
LaShawne Pryor, Ed.D
Associate Vice President for Development at Delaware State University
LaShawne Pryor, Ed.D., is the Associate Vice President for Development at Delaware State University. In this role, he fosters relationships with alumni and individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners to support the University’s mission. Additionally, he oversees Annual Giving, major gifts and development, Events and Ceremonies, and Grants. Dr. Pryor has over 20 years of experience in Higher Education, development, and marketing.
During his tenure at Delaware State University, Dr. Pryor has assisted the University in successfully achieving two multi-million-dollar campaigns. Dr. Pryor is a key organizer for the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Philanthropy Symposium and has led efforts to increase attendance and sponsorships since its inception.
Dr. Pryor is actively involved with various professional and community organizations. He serves on the District II Cabinet for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), 1st Vice Chair for the Board of Directors at the Dover Federal Credit Union and is a board member for the Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity.
Dr. Pryor completed his Doctoral degree in Higher Educational Leadership at Delaware State University in 2022. He completed his undergraduate degree at Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL., and his master’s in management and leadership at East Stroudsburg University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.