In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we discuss the challenging power dynamics that can exist between donors, and ourselves as fundraisers. How do characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality, or age impact how we are perceived and treated by donors? AFP ICON 2025 speakers Laurel McCombs and Robert Osborne share the strategies they’ve learned over the last four years of presenting on this topic, providing emerging leaders and fundraisers of all career levels with a toolkit for navigating challenging situations and continuing the conversation at their organizations and throughout the sector. To learn more, check out their session, Navigating Power Dynamics in Fundraising, at AFP ICON 2025 in Seattle, April 27-29. 

Guests:

Laurel MCombs: Laurel McCombs brings more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a passion for the role philanthropy can play in changing the world to her work as a consultant and trainer with The Osborne Group. Laurel is a well-known speaker presenting well-received workshops for national organizations, universities, as well as AFP ICON, CASE-NAIS, Nonprofit Association of Oregon, and AFP Congress. She works closely with clients on a variety of topics, including donor retention, development operations, planning, donor management, board development and more.

Robert Osborne: Robert is Principal of The Osborne Group, with 30 years of nonprofit experience. He speaks regularly nationally and internationally. Robert serves on the boards of the United Hospital Fund and US Squash, both in New York. He also serves on the International Advisory Board of the Czech Fundraising Center in Czech Republic, the International Advisory Board of the Impact Hub Belgrade in Serbia, and the Advisory Board of the Impact Hub Metropolitan in New York. He is a studio partner and co-founder of Studio X Ventures, a venture studio for social impact startups in the Western Balkans.

Hosts: 

Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP, Director of National Leadership Giving, Cure SMA: Emily Leitzinger is a fundraising executive with over 15 years of experience driving organizational growth and sustainability through innovative fundraising strategies and donor engagement. She currently serves as the Director of National Leadership Giving at Cure SMA and is particularly proud of launching the first-ever Legacy Society for the organization. Emily is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in philanthropy, as noted in her Master's capstone. In this project, she examines the effects of donor influence on nonprofit operations and proposes frameworks for more balanced and ethical donor engagement. A chartering member and past president of the Mid-City, New Orleans Rotary Club, Emily is affectionately known as the Deputy Governor of "Yes" and is set to become the District Governor of District 6840. In addition to her professional achievements, she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, and craft beer, and is a huge fan of The Office.  She lives in New Orleans with her Elvis-impersonating husband, Mike. 

Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing.