Amy O’Sullivan, CFRE, is the Senior Director of Mission Advancement at AllThrive 365, where she leads fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and mission-aligned partnerships in support of the organization’s work across Arizona. She brings more than 18 years of nonprofit development leadership experience and a deep commitment to building sustainable, community-centered philanthropy.   A native of Northern California, Amy has called Phoenix home for the past 25 years. She holds a B.A. in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Prior to joining AllThrive 365, Amy held senior fundraising leadership roles at respected organizations including Xavier College Preparatory and Ryan House, where she served as Development Director.   Amy is an active longtime member of the Greater Arizona Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and recently served as Chapter President. Her work is grounded in relationship-building, trust, and clarity—values she brings to aligning fundraising strategy with organizational brand and mission impact. 

Angela Salazar is a recognized advocate and subject matter expert in equity, nonprofit strategy, and corporate engagement. As the former Equity Program Director at YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, Angela led transformative initiatives to advance fair representation and accessible opportunities, earning the 2021 Rising Star Award from the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA). Her leadership extends to roles such as Unified ERG Strategy Director and service on the President’s Advisory Council at the University of Phoenix, where she built bridges across departments and organizations to foster awareness and create opportunities for underserved communities. Angela’s expertise includes facilitating thought-provoking discussions on identity, access, and the root causes of disparities. She has contributed to forums like the She Matters Forum and the Inclusive Leadership Summit, inspiring effective advocacy and policy influence. Her passion for networking and building social capital empowers individuals and organizations to maximize their impact. Angela’s dedication has been recognized with a nomination for the 2022 Athena Awards by the Greater Phoenix Chamber and other honors. She continues to lead by example, promoting creativity, innovation, and the maximization of individual potential. Angela is a catalyst for change, committed to advancing social collaboration and equipping nonprofits with the language and strategies needed to secure meaningful corporate sponsorships. 

Angela Tapia is a Program Director at Candelen, where she provides leadership and oversight for programs that support children, families, and caregivers. With more than 30 years of experience in the early childhood and family support fields, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to resources, building community partnerships, and promoting positive outcomes for children and families. Throughout her career, Angela has shared her knowledge and expertise through professional learning opportunities, collaborative partnerships, and conference presentations. 

Dr. Angela (Angie) Donelson, Ph.D., AICP, is the Principal of Donelson Consulting LLC (donelsonconsulting.com). She brings 20+ years of experience in economic and community development, strategic planning, program design, funding, evaluation, and compliance coaching. She holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geography from the University of Arizona, executive education from Harvard's Kennedy School, and a master’s degree in city planning from Kansas State University. 

Dr. Donelson developed TrustForChange.org from 10 years of her peer-reviewed research, providing free resources focused on building trust and collaboration. She is also the coauthor of two books on US-Mexico community development with the University of Arizona Press. 

Additionally, Dr. Donelson is the author of the book Your Seat at the Table, which features editorial contributions from compliance specialist Jenni Moreno of 2 CFR Clarity. The book demonstrates how trust is observable and measurable as partners build alignment to shared standards. Dr. Donelson also co-authored the workbook series From Crisis to Confidence: Stories of Grant Compliance Gone Wrong (and Right) with Moreno, utilizing eight typologies grounded in real-world compliance failures presented through a peer-learning format. Both Your Seat at the Table and the workbook series will be covered in her upcoming session. 

Carlos Velasco stands as a pillar in Arizona's community relations landscape, where he has been deeply rooted for 20 years. Distinguished for his expertise in community engagement and public relations, Carlos' career has been characterized by forging authentic connections and driving narratives that resonate deeply within Arizona's diverse communities. His intuitive ability to navigate the nuances of outreach has empowered him to foster trust and cultivate meaningful relationships with key influencers and stakeholders. As the CEO and Founder of Novle, Carlos seamlessly blends community engagement and public relations, leading campaigns that amplify voices, build brand integrity, and foster economic vitality. His expertise in strategizing and executing impactful community initiatives has not only elevated his clients' missions but has also bridged the gap between community leaders and small businesses. In the ever-evolving world of PR, Carlos' deep understanding of audience engagement, combined with his commitment to authentic storytelling, positions him as a leader in the field. 

Cassandra O’Neill, MA, Author & Founder of Leadership Alchemy LLC. Cassandra is a high energy passionate lifelong learner. She has worked with over 200 organizations to increase their impact, some of which includes the Arizona Community Foundation, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Arizona, Arizona State library, University of Arizona, and Vitalyst Health Foundation. She has extensive experience in building capacity for policy and system change, community engagement, strategy development, and adoption of collective leadership in the social sector. She has raised over $60 million in funding from government agencies and foundations, and served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards. She is a co-author of the book Five Elements of Collective Leadership. 

David Strickland is the Director of Nonprofit Services at Giving Payroll, a role he has held since 2019. He has specialized in nonprofit payroll since 2015 and has been providing training and education to nonprofits since 2009. David brings a strong working knowledge of payroll, HR operations, compliance, and fraud prevention. His work centers on strengthening payroll systems, improving internal controls, and helping nonprofits protect both their mission and their leadership.

Elena Burr, MPH is the Director of Communications & Outreach at AllThrive 365, a statewide nonprofit serving Arizona’s older adults, caregivers, and communities through health, housing, and connection. She leads the organization’s brand strategy, storytelling, media relations, and internal communications, and was the project lead for AllThrive 365’s rebrand from Foundation for Senior Living in 2025.      Elena brings a mission-centered, equity-informed approach to branding—grounded in dignity and accessibility. She works closely across departments to ensure brand strategy supports program clarity, fundraising effectiveness, and organizational alignment. Her work has included statewide campaigns, rebrand implementation, crisis communications, and storytelling that centers community voice over institutional framing.      She serves as the Chair of the Arizona Health Equity Conference, Director of Communications for the Arizona Public Health Association, and Co-Founder of Kindling Impact, a consulting firm dedicated to building sustainability for social impact organizations. 

Farrah Fiegener is the VP of Community Outreach at New Pathways for Youth, where she leads the organization’s external strategy across marketing and communications, brand voice and visibility, community engagement, and mentor recruitment. She brings a background in marketing, communications, and leadership, with experience across corporate and nonprofit settings. Farrah’s connection to New Pathways began in 2017 as a volunteer mentor, when she was matched with her mentee, Marcelino. That relationship deepened her understanding of the barriers many young people face and strengthened her commitment to building systems of support rooted in dignity, belonging, and opportunity. In 2019, she joined the organization and has since helped expand awareness, strengthen community partnerships, and grow the mentor pipeline that powers New Pathways’ relationship-based model. In her current role, Farrah serves as a key spokesperson and community connector through public speaking, media engagement, and cross-sector partnerships. She also leads work to improve representation and expand engagement with Latino community leaders through Caminos, an initiative developed in partnership with multicultural agency, Novle. Outside of work, Farrah enjoys travel, scuba diving, playing guitar, creating art, and spending time with her husband and dog. 

Grace Draper is Senior Giving Day Program Manager at Mightycause, where she helps nonprofits run high-impact fundraising events. She brings nearly a decade of nonprofit experience to the role, having previously served as Director of Corporate Giving at her local United Way.
A connector at heart, Grace has been active in business and professional communities throughout her career, including serving on the Young Professionals boards of both the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce (2022–2024) and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of
Commerce (2018–2020). She has also served in various leadership roles with Rappahannock Rugby, most recently as President (2025–2026).
Outside of work, Grace is an avid rugby player with over a decade of experience. She lives in Richmond, VA with her partner and two cats, and believes the best part of work is the friendships and connections made along the way.

Jacquelyn Ahrenberg brings over 24 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, and development leadership to her role as the founder and CEO of Resolute Nonprofit Consulting.  Before founding Resolute nine years ago, Jacque served as the sole development officer for several small nonprofits, leading capital campaigns, major and planned giving initiatives, special events, and annual giving programs.   At Resolute, Jacque and her team partner with mission-driven organizations across various sectors, including arts & culture, human services, rural, and tribal nonprofits, to build sustainable funding systems, strengthen internal capacity, and align funding strategies with their missions.  Her leadership at Resolute is rooted in equity, data-informed fundraising, and systems-level thinking. Her approach emphasizes partnering deeply with nonprofits, not just as a consultant but as a steward of long-term sustainability. She believes in creating resilient funding ecosystems, fostering donor trust, and aligning strategies with mission-driven impact. 

Jenni Moreno is Principal of 2 CFR Clarity, specializing in 2 CFR Part 200 compliance consulting, coaching, and training for nonprofits and federal award recipients. With 20+ years in financial management and 5+ years in federal grants compliance, she has coached 100+ participants across grantee organizations, government agencies, and national training audiences. Jenni believes knowledge is protection, and her inquiry-based approach builds compliance cultures that protect organizations and staff, making federal requirements accessible for organizations of all sizes, including first-time federal recipients. 

Jessica is in her first year as Director of Advancement at St. Michael’s School, where she brings nearly two decades of experience in education and advancement—and a reputation for doing the work differently. Rather than defaulting to tradition, Jessica focuses on building fundraising and engagement strategies that are authentic, relationship-driven, and aligned with mission and values.  She previously served for twelve years as Vice President of Advancement and Admissions and Dean of Students at The Orme School in Northern Arizona, as well as Director of Advancement at Trinity Montessori School in Rochester, New York. Across roles, she has challenged conventional approaches to advancement by tailoring experiences to the community, the cause, and the people doing the work—proving that meaningful results don’t require staying stuck in the status quo. 

Julie Euber is CEO of SARSEF. In this role, she builds and supports a strong community of staff, board members, partners, and supporters that can strategically bring SARSEF closer to its mission of creating Arizona’s next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers through science and engineering. Previously, she served as TGen’s Manager of Education and Outreach where she increased the community’s working knowledge of genomics and educated, trained, and inspired the next generation of researchers and physicians. She holds a BA in Anthropology and English with a minor in biology from Indiana University and earned her MA in Anthropology with a focus in Bioarchaeology from Arizona State University.  Julie is an alumna of City Year New York and the American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. She was President of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Phoenix in 2020, received a Tucson 40 under 40 award in 2021, graduated from the Greater Tucson Leadership Lead Tucson program in 2022, was a Flinn-Brown Fellow with the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation in 2022, and was selected to be part of the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2025. Currently, Julie serves as Board President of the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, is a member of the Leadership Council for ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. 

Kavita Bernstein serves as the Chief Impact Officer at Candelen, where she leads the integration of program delivery, fund development, data, evaluation, and brand stewardship to advance the organization's mission and ensure families and caregivers receive meaningful, respectful, and impactful services. With a career dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families, Kavita brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, systems change, and community impact. 

Prior to joining Candelen, Kavita spent nearly a decade at First Things First, where she managed a portfolio of children's health grants and led initiatives focused on strengthening systems and improving outcomes at scale. Her commitment to service began in community behavioral health, where she partnered closely with children and families and developed a deep appreciation for the power of relationships, collaboration, and community-centered support. 

Kevin Wallace is president and partner of CampaignCounsel.org, a nonprofit consulting firm specializing in capital campaign planning and management. Since 2003, he has conducted and overseen more than 90 campaign planning studies and capital campaigns that have raised more than $200 million for nonprofits across the U.S and abroad. Kevin holds a master's degree in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. He is based in Sonoita, Arizona. 

Lisa B. Lumbard, CPA, CGFM, is a not-for-profit consultant and leadership trainer and the founder of Lumbard Consulting, LLC. With more than 35 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, boards, and local governments, she brings deep expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and governance, including extensive work performed under the Single Audit Act. Lisa specializes in customized board trainings, governance and management problem-solving, and strengthening internal controls to support organizational growth. She has been designing and facilitating engaging workshops and webinars for nonprofit leaders for over 25 years, helping them translate complex requirements into practical, actionable strategies. A long-time advocate for nonprofit leadership, Lisa began her board service while attending Arizona State University and was later appointed by the Governor to the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. She continues to serve on multiple nonprofit boards and committees, bringing both professional expertise and lived governance experience to her work. 

Manny Lucero is the founder and CEO of Lucero Consulting Group, an Arizona-based firm providing nonprofit and business consulting, marketing, and event production services to clients around the country. Manny and his team bring a strategic, forward-thinking approach to their work, helping organizations build efficiencies, grow their reach, and create lasting impact in their communities. 

Mario Aniles is a CPA and Principal at Aniles and Company, PLLC. A Certified Public Accounting Firm. Aniles and his firm work with for profit and non-profit clients in the areas of Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Advisory. As financial leaders, Aniles has provided support to organizations seeking to grow, become sustainable, navigate the regulatory landscape, and adapt to a changing environment. With extensive experience in financial strategy, capital structures, and fiscal compliance, organizations partner with Aniles to gain critical financial insights and have the support needed as they journey through their organization’s development and growth cycle.

Aniles was selected by Forbes as a top CPA in the state! Aniles believes in having a leadership presence in the communities they serve and sits on several boards and commissions that include the Arizona Lottery, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Local First, and AZ Impact for Good (Formerly Alliance of Arizona Non Profits).

Melissa Seida is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Arizona where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She began her professional accounting career with Keegan Linscott in 2009. As a Director in Audit Services, Melissa specializes in providing audit and other assurance-related services such as reviews, compilations and agreed-upon procedures engagements to not-for-profit, government, manufacturing and housing entities. She also specializes in performing compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act and the Uniform Guidance.  Melissa’s expertise and experience allows her to take a client-focused, risk-based approach to the audit of financial records, which results in the effective and efficient execution of an audit project that is value added to our clients. Melissa firmly believes in doing things right and has a passion for helping others. Melissa continually strives to deeply understand her clients, conduct targeted but thorough services with high quality deliverables and meaningful recommendations for improvement, and become her clients’ trusted advisor.  Melissa has also previously served on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for three years, including serving as Treasurer for two years. In addition, she has volunteered for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Habitat for Humanity Tucson, and the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. 

MK Holody believes technology is most powerful when it brings people closer together. As Director of Giving Event Success at Mightycause, her mission is to use data and tech as bridges — connecting donors, communities, and the causes that move them. Her love of nonprofits started with AmeriCorps, where she served as an early childhood literacy tutor. That spark led her to a Master of Public Affairs in nonprofit studies from the LBJ School at
UT Austin, and eventually to a decade of specializing in the technology that powers community giving days. Along the way, she's become a trusted advisor and relationship builder to nonprofit organizations across the country.

MK lives in Littleton, CO with her husband and four-year-old daughter. When she's not behind her laptop, she's behind her camera — capturing the little-noticed details that make a moment worth remembering. Ask her about Bluey.

Ruth Ray is an early childhood systems leader with more than 13 years of experience advancing program quality, family engagement, and cross-sector collaboration across Arizona’s early childhood landscape. She currently serves as Director at Candelen, where she leads statewide initiatives designed to strengthen early learning programs, support families, and build coordinated systems that improve outcomes for young children. Ruth has supported with designing and launching innovative programs supporting maternal and family well-being, including a doula parent education initiative focused on prenatal and postpartum families. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she frequently convenes cross-sector partners, funders, and community organizations to design solutions that strengthen early childhood systems and support family-centered programming. She holds a Master of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University.

Sharon Shindel, a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP), brings over two decades of experience in global health and safety to her role as AZ Team Leader and Board Member of Safety for NonProfits (S4NP). Previously, Ms. Shindel worked as a Global Industrial Hygienist at Intel Corporation, providing health and safety support to manufacturing, laboratories, and facilities/maintenance for over 27 years. She has a BS in Biology from the University of Houston and a MS in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. 

Tanner Swanson is a lifelong Arizonan dedicated to strengthening his community. A Mesa native, he holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University’s Nonprofit Leadership and Management program and has built a career focused on addressing homelessness and domestic violence. His experience spans public service and the nonprofit sector, including roles with Senator John McCain, the Arizona State Senate, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, and A New Leaf. Tanner’s work centers on fundraising, advocacy, and expanding access to essential services for individuals and working families. 

Tara Petersen is a career fundraiser with 20 years of experience helping nonprofits of all sizes secure the resources needed to advance their missions. She holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, but the core of her work has always been a belief in the power of relationships to activate generosity and change the world. 

After a career on the front lines of fundraising, Tara now serves the sector in a new way as Nonprofit Relationship Manager at DonorPerfect. In this role, she builds strategic partnerships and leverages her insights to help nonprofits strengthen fundraising strategies, build meaningful donor relationships, and leverage technology that is delightfully easy to use.  

Having firsthand experience with limited staff capacity, competing priorities, and the constant pressure to do more with less, Tara brings a grounded, authentic perspective to her work. Her goal is simple: to make it easier for nonprofits to do more good by spending less time wrestling with systems and more time focused on what matters most: advancing their mission. 

Tracey McConnell is a nonprofit consultant and community development leader with extensive experience in fundraising infrastructure, donor engagement, strategic planning, and board development. Through her consulting practice, Creative Capacities LLC, she supports small to mid-size nonprofits in building sustainable fundraising systems, clarifying messaging, and strengthening board and stakeholder engagement.  Tracey has managed over $3.2 million in grant funding, led capital campaign readiness efforts that resulted in significant increases in community giving, and designed donor engagement programs that strengthened long-term financial sustainability. She currently serves as Executive Director of Unify Sedona and Community Development Director for Northern Arizona Restorative Justice, where she leads fundraising strategy, community partnerships, and impact evaluation and Development Director/Nonprofit Consultant for Volunteer Sedona& the Verde Valley.  Known for translating complex fundraising concepts into practical, accessible tools, Tracey focuses on helping nonprofit leaders build confidence, consistency, and clarity in how they communicate their mission and impact. Her work emphasizes collaborative processes that engage staff, board members, and community partners in shared ownership of fundraising and organizational growth. 

Wade Siers is an Employer Partnership Strategist at New Freedom, where he connects justice‑involved individuals with gainful employment opportunities that support a successful transition into the community. He specializes in labor market research and helps employers embrace Second Chance hiring.  While completing his PhD in Leadership, Wade explored the labor economics of U.S.–China relations. His experience in mapping workforce systems and filtering complex data enables him to identify actionable opportunities for employer engagement across the Phoenix metro area. Whether guiding employers toward Second Chance practices or shaping public conversations about labor futures, he remains committed to ensuring workforce development is both practical and transformative.