Sarah
Graffeo is the Development Coordinator for the UAB School of Medicine. She is also this year's winner of AFP Alabama's general membership scholarship.
Tell us about your role in the fundraising field.
I am a Development Coordinator for the UAB School of Medicine. In this role, I provide office support for three front line fundraisers, including the AVP of Advancement for the School of Medicine, a Senior Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives for School of Medicine, and a Director of Development for School of Medicine Scholarships and Primary Care.
How long have you been in fundraising?
I have been in fundraising for nine months. Before fundraising, I was a Sr. Project Manager in the qualitative research industry for six years, working for a boutique research firm in Birmingham and an international research agency in Chicago.
Why did you decide to get involved with AFP?
I wanted to be involved with AFP simply because I have so much to learn! I am brand new to this world and am eager to learn as much as I can about the best practices of fundraising. My goal is to transition out of an office support role into a front-line fundraising role, and I think I have much to learn from AFP.
How do you hope to benefit from AFP?
I hope to meet new people. I want to learn best practices about fundraising. In the present, this knowledge would allow me to better support the School of Medicine team. In the future, it would help me confidently pursue a front-line position of my own where I can have a positive effect on an organization and its mission.
Tell us a random fact about you.
I have a twin sister. She lives in Mobile and is a lawyer. She occasionally comes to Birmingham for work or to visit our family, so if you see me out one day, and I don't seem to recognize you, don't be offended! It's probably her!
