AADO Plus Membership (Coming in April)
Annual Fee: $120.00
The AADO Plus Membership is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their engagement with AADO through exclusive resources, events, and professional development opportunities.
Membership Benefits:
- Discounted & Priority Registration – Enjoy exclusive rates and early access to select events.
- Influence & Feedback – Help shape AADO initiatives by participating in member surveys.
- Exclusive Networking – Connect with peers at AADO Plus-only events.
- Professional Development – Gain access to specialized Power Hour Webinars and Fundraising Seminars.
- Insider Updates – Stay informed about AADO Plus events, resources, and exclusive opportunities.
- Recognition & Visibility – Receive an AADO Plus member badge and logo to showcase your membership on social media and in-person events.
Your membership supports AADO’s initiatives, enhances your professional growth, and strengthens the impact of the AADO community.
I want to be the first to know - sign me up!
(note AADO General Membership will remain free)
| March with AADO: Women Leading the Way in Philanthropy |
Women’s History Month, celebrated annually during the month of March, was originally established to address the absence of women’s contributions in educational texts and to bring their stories into the national conversation. At AADO, we celebrate women in philanthropy every month, but this March, we’re shining a special spotlight on trailblazers who are making history today through their leadership, actions, and impact.
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The Next Chapter: A new era for Black Philanthropy Month
Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, founder of Black Philanthropy Month and the WISE Fund recently wrote an article for SEE change where she talks about a new era for Black Philanthropy Month. In it she says "BPM’s future is about more than raising awareness. It is about reshaping the financial landscape so that Black-led organizations and businesses have the resources they need to thrive. It is about embedding Black giving into the global consciousness, ensuring that philanthropy is not just an act of charity, but a means of justice, sustainability, and economic empowerment." Read Dr. Copeland's full article an call to action here.
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Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations
Recognizing Martha Schumacher, a True Ally, Friend, and Supporter of AADO
Allyship means many things to many people. To Martha Hazen Schumacher, allyship means embodying the persona that you put out in the world when the world isn't watching you. Rising Professionals of Color co-chairs Annyce Brackins and Christen Blackledge had a chance to “sit down” with Martha in a virtual interview to share her thoughts on Women’s History Month and this year’s topic of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
Take a moment to read the full article here. Martha Schumacher continues to embody allyship in both words and action. Her career is a reflection of what it means to advocate for others while staying true to her values. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her journey serves as a reminder that progress happens when we actively make room for others, lift up and support those around us, and commit to moving forward.
| | | | Updates, Events & Insights | | Join Fabulous Female Fundraisers for a Free Event! |
Fabulous Female Fundraisers is hosting Harness AI to Elevate Your Fundraising, a free live webinar designed to help small nonprofits maximize their impact with AI. Join them on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET to learn how AI can streamline your fundraising, strengthen donor relationships, and save you valuable time.
Lauren Tudor, Founder of ARCHITECT Philanthropic Collective, will share practical tools and real-world strategies to help you integrate AI into your fundraising efforts—no tech expertise required. Sign up here.
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Expert Insights in Advancement & Development
Gain practical strategies from top nonprofit and education leaders in Perfect Image’s Master Class video series. This eight-part series dives into key topics, including:
- The evolution of Advancement & Development leadership
- Talent retention and strong organizational leadership
- Building donor relationships and community engagement
- The power of storytelling in fundraising
- Engaging younger generations in philanthropy
Moderated by Ira Jackson, Jr., this series delivers real-world expertise to help professionals navigate challenges, strengthen leadership, and drive impact. You can watch here.
| | | | This spring The Empathy Agency is holding space for Black Women. Through an Afrocentric coaching approach and experience cultivating spaces for Black people, leadership coach, Nneka Allen, will co-create a sacred place that feeds Black women's souls, spirits and bodies. | |
Courtney Sykes
Congratulations to AADO member Courtney Sykes who has joined the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology as the new Alumni Program Manager II.
Congrats Courtney!
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Evelyn Hernandez
Congratulations to AADO member
Evelyn Hernandez
who is the new Executive Director of
Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving (interim) at CUNY School of Medicine.
Congratulations Evelyn!
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Exclusive Offer for AADO Members: Complimentary CDO Network Membership
In recognition of our valued partnership, The CDO Network, powered by Aspen Leadership Group, is waiving its $100 annual membership fee for AADO members who are sitting CDOs, interim CDOs, or CDOs between fundraising roles.
This exclusive opportunity provides access to a global community of Chief Development Officers, along with resources, programming, and events designed specifically for fundraising leaders.
If you qualify, apply today and receive a one-year complimentary membership using code AADO2025 at checkout.
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Exciting News!
We now have an official LinkedIn business page for the African American Development Officers Network (AADO)! 🎉
All updates, insights, and important announcements will now be shared exclusively on our new page. We invite you to follow us at The African American Development Officers (AADO) Network to stay connected and engaged with our growing community.
Let’s continue building, learning, and thriving together! See you there! 👏🏾✨
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