Beyond Prospecting: The Apra Podcast

In this APRA Beyond Prospecting Podcast episode, episode host Dana sits down with legal compensation expert Joel Thomas to demystify how attorneys are paid across different sectors - from elite BigLaw firms to in-house corporate roles, solo practices, and public interest positions. Whether you're a prospect researcher, fundraiser, or just curious about the legal profession, this conversation offers practical insights into compensation structures, red flags to watch for, and tips for uncovering key financial details. Tune in to help you grow your research skills and better understand the financial landscape of legal professionals.

Welcome to Volunteer Voices, a limited podcast series designed to inspire and empower Apra members to get involved! In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most influential roles in the Apra volunteer ecosystem: serving on the Apra International Board of Directors. Discover how volunteering can advance your career, help you build new skills and drive impactful initiatives within your nonprofit. Whether you’re curious about leadership opportunities or wondering how to take the first step, this episode demystifies the path to meaningful engagement. Tune in and learn what it truly means to raise your hand with Apra!

This episode, the first in a short miniseries, explores one facet of the Apra volunteer experience: chapter leadership. Hear from Apra chapter leaders, present and past, on the impact that chapter leadership had on their careers, skills, and local community. The group discusses their motivations for lending their time and energy to their Apra chapter and the personal and professional benefits they have gained as a result.

In the latest episode of Beyond Prospecting: The Apra Podcast, Apra President Dr. Rodger Devine and Board Member Sharise Harrison sit down with Karen Isble, the 2024 Apra Visionary Award recipient.

Tune in as Isble tells the story of her career, from the entry levels of prospect development to the executive levels of advancement. She also offers insight into the rapid change of pace in analytics and technology, skills needed to adapt to the landscape and what it has meant to find community within Apra.

The Apra Visionary Award is the highest award bestowed by the association and recognizes an individual’s exceptional contributions to the field of prospect development, including volunteer service, mentorship, innovation and inclusion. In its 38-year history, the organization has only selected six recipients, inclusive of Isble.

Apra will honor Isble in-person at Prospect Development 2024 in Seattle this summer. Learn more about all past Apra Award winners online here: https://www.aprahome.org/About/Apra-Awards/Past-Award-Winners

The podcast, hosted by Jennifer Huebner of The Humane Society of the United States, discusses the Plug into Metrics event that took place virtually in November 2023. Jennifer is joined by Ashley Mick from LSU Foundation and Jess Balsam from the University of Washington, both attendees and presenters at the event. They share insights on the trend toward smaller fundraiser portfolios, influenced by David Lively, change management, and equity. They discuss challenges in managing large portfolios and propose solutions, touching on trends, the efficiency of smaller portfolios, and the emotional aspects of change.

Listen in on this discussion between Emily Hadley, Research Data Scientist at RTI International Center for Data Science, and Max Dakin, Assistant Director of Prospecting and Special Initiatives at UNICEF USA, while they discuss bias in data science, harmful algorithmic biases, our responsibility when implementing data science in our work, and the role of government and policy in data science.

Join Katherine Scott and Jason Briggs to discuss privacy from an international perspective and how it relates to donor data in many different ways. In a conversation guided by Elizabeth Roma, Katherine and Jason provide key insights on international laws and best practices.

Listen in on this discussion between Misa Lobato, Director of Prospect Management and Analytics, Rhode Island School of Design, and Roslyn Clarke, Director of Prospect Management & Research at Partners in Health as they discuss diversifying donor bases, data use, cultural humility, the evolution of DEI practices since they started collaborating on this content in 2019, the importance of knowing “why” your organization is focused on DEI initiatives and more.

Rachel Brandell-Mayers, Apra’s Online Content Committee chair, interviews philanthropist, entrepreneur and author Lisa Greer in this insightful podcast. Discussing her book, “Philanthropy Revolution,” Greer offers the perspective of a major donor, sharing her thoughts on how prospect development can play a pivotal role in the changing world of philanthropy.

Listen to Rachel Brandell-Mayers, Associate Director of Research at the University of Michigan, as she speaks with Andrea Pactor,(Retired) Previous Associate Director, Women's Philanthropy Institute, on how and why gender matters in philanthropy and how prospect development can lead women in philanthropy.