The Development Download Podcast

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Audra Jesudason, Vice President of Philanthropy and Membership, Lisa Marie Avendano, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo. Workplace culture is one of those things everyone talks about, but it can be difficult to define and even harder to build. In this conversation, we explore how the Houston Zoo has cultivated a culture of connection among its staff, the role leadership plays in fostering it, and the benefits a friendship-forward workplace can have for both employees and organizational success. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-zoo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Jamie Spiva, CFRE, Senior Director of Major Gifts and Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and LaGina Rae Harris, owner of The Us Space and a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Jamie also serves as Chair of AFP Greater Houston's 2026 Ask the Experts Conference. Together, we explore how to make networking actually work for you. We focus on one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of networking: the follow-up. Jamie and Lagina share creative, actionable ways to build on the energy of a first meeting and turn introductions into meaningful relationships. We also preview this year's Ask the Experts Conference and its new focus on facilitated networking. If you've ever felt unsure about networking, or want to get more out of the connections you're already making, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Shelly Millwee and Jess Ansel from Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Shelly serves as President and CEO, and Jess is Vice President of Philanthropy. Together, they share how their chapter built a seven-figure gala from the ground up. We explore the thoughtful planning and foresight behind the event, how they centered mission at every stage, and how they designed meaningful, mission-driven moments that inspired guests. This conversation is a strong reminder that successful galas don't happen by accident. They're designed, planned, and executed with purpose. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellymillwee/ Https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaygoodman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-texas-gulf-coast-and-louisiana/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

This episode of The Development Download features Christine Ann Stevens, MBA, CFRE, SHRM-CP, incoming Board President for AFP Greater Houston. We talk about mentorship, the return of AFP Greater Houston's mentorship program, and what a strong mentoring relationship can look like in practice, including a live mentoring moment with Sarah. Christine also gives us a look at what's ahead for the chapter in 2026. Link to a previous episode of the Development Download featuring Christine speaking on creating a culture of philanthropy at your nonprofit: The Secret Sauce of a Thriving Philanthropic Culture with Christine Stevens and Katie Salvatore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineannstevens/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/

This episode features Marly Maskill, Executive Director of the Houston ToolBank. The ToolBank is a nonprofit lending library that equips other nonprofits with tools and equipment so they can focus resources on their missions rather than overhead. Marly shares how organizations can access ToolBank's inventory of hammers, power drills, tables, generators, and other event gear to get projects done without the burden of owning or maintaining equipment. The conversation also explores in-kind giving, including when to accept, how to acknowledge, and when it is best to say no, so you can make smart decisions that serve your mission. Connect with the Houston ToolBank: https://www.houstontoolbank.org/ Connect with Marly Maskill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marly-maskill-6b078152/

In this episode of The Development Download, we're digging into what the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential is, why it matters, and how to know if it's the right move for your fundraising career. You'll hear from CFREs and AFP Greater Houston board members Ronnie Hagerty and Will Horton, who share how the certification has shaped their professional journeys, what the process was really like, and their best tips for preparing — without burning out. Whether you're CFRE-curious or already deep into your application, this episode offers real talk, smart advice, and plenty of encouragement.

What happens when a group of passionate 20-somethings launches a nonprofit in the middle of a global pandemic—entirely online? This episode features Ashton Prince, Chandler Skinner, and Dominique Reilly from the small but mighty nonprofit Through the Staff. Born out of the pandemic, Through the Staff has a unique origin story that speaks to the creativity and drive of its 20-something founders. The conversation explores the advantages and quirks of virtual programming, generational perspectives on nonprofit work, and the pressing challenge of engaging a geographically dispersed donor base. Learn more about Through the Staff here: https://www.throughthestaff.org/

Does your Data Playbook need an update? This month on The Development Download, we're giving you the extra player you need on your team. Join us for "Level Up Your Data Game (for Free!)" with Jessica Davison from United Way Greater Houston. The chat will include a discussion about free resources available in the Coffee & Quality program. Link to Coffee & Quality: https://unitedwayhouston.org/what-we-do/coffee-and-quality/

Balance is something new and experienced leaders seek continuously. It can be challenging. However, AFPGHC President Victor Brooks shares how he finds balance in the next episode of The Development Download, "From Hustle to Harmony: Finding Balance as a Leader."

Want to know what it's like to attend the Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference, now in its 31st year in Houston, TX? In this episode, we interviewed attendees throughout the day in "man on the street" style interviews. Special thanks are due to Darrell Jimerson Jr. for his expert help in audio mixing this episode. The keynote speaker and book referenced in the episode is "Be the Unicorn" by William Vanderbloemen.

In this episode, host Sarah Brown Rankin chats with AFPGH board members Nekia Robinson and Jess Moore. They discuss how important "Development Besties" are in the sometimes-challenging nonprofit industry. Join us for this laughter-filled conversation!

We're happy to announce the relaunch of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter's podcast, "The Development Download." In this mini-episode, you'll meet our new host and AFPGHC member, Sarah Brown Rankin, joined by LaGina Rae Harris, social impact entrepreneur and CEO of The Us Space, a co-working space centering women of color in the Mellie Esperson building in downtown Houston. Learn more about The Us Space here: https://theusspace.com/ For more resources, visit us at https://www.afphouston.org/podcast.

On this episode of The Development Download podcast, we are sitting down with various fundraising professionals to talk more about inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the fundraising profession. How does the current culture affect diverse fundraising professionals? And what is our local AFP Chapter doing to address equity and access? We talk about this and more with today's guests. For more information about our guest and for more resources, please visit https://www.afphouston.org/page/podcast. Connect with us: afpghcpodcast@gmail.com