Leading Teams Through Transformational Growth
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Action Against Hunger
1 Whitehall St. #2nd, New York, NY 10004
EXCLUSIVE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL EVENT Open to President’s Council Members only
Registration Fees
President's Council Members: $30
Registration closes November 8!
As development leaders, so many of us are navigating inflection points. Our organizations are stepping up to meet the moment, and we’re tasked with figuring out: How do we resource our organizations’ boldest aspirations? How do we move beyond the incremental to the transformational—in a way that is sustainable?
This session will feature insights from two Chief Development Officers who are leading transformational growth. They will share how they’ve approached developing their strategies, pipelines, and programs, as well as how they’ve built the teams and cultures to move them forward.
You will also have opportunities to share your experiences with peers and workshop ideas. We’ll all walk away with new ideas, tips, and encouragement.
Featured Panelists:
Bianca Derouene (Event Moderator), CEO, Aperio Philanthropy
Bianca founded Aperio Philanthropy in 2018 to simplify the path to revenue growth for nonprofits. She specializes in designing and launching streamlined business models that enable nonprofits to realize their fundraising potential—sustainably. She is an expert in fundraising strategic planning, organizational design, change management, and operations.
Prior to founding Aperio, Bianca helped lead the creation of a nationwide philanthropy program at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as Vice President, Donor Development Strategy & Operations. In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, Bianca designed and launched the new program, as well as two campaigns for special initiatives: a $35 million Beat AML campaign and a $100 million Children’s Initiative.
One driver of that success was Bianca’s creation of shared services for LLS’s 56 chapters. By providing fundraisers with turnkey collateral, templates, stewardship assets, data, and training, she drove efficiency and alignment. She partnered closely with regional and chapter leaders to localize major gift strategy.
Bianca began her fundraising career at the American Red Cross, where she served as an internal consultant, leader of special initiatives, and resource to affiliate chapters in the Northeast. As the liaison between the national office and chapter fundraisers, Bianca developed a talent for gaining buy-in and aligning stakeholders around common goals. Bianca helped lead disaster fundraising and recovery in the Northeast, including the $100 million response to SuperStorm Sandy in the Northeast.
Bianca holds an MS in Global Affairs from New York University and BAs in Economics and International Relations from Whitworth University.
Eric Bebernitz, Chief Development Officer, Action Against Hunger
As Action Against Hunger’s Chief Development Officer, Eric Bebernitz is responsible for driving the organization’s brand growth, communications, public relations, marketing, individual giving, and high-impact private partnerships. These activities aim to inspire and provide opportunities for people to take part in the global movement to end hunger.
Before joining Action Against Hunger, Eric applied his fundraising, communications, and brand-building expertise at the International Rescue Committee, Earthjustice, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in History from the University at Buffalo and a master’s degree in Folklore from the University of Oregon. He is based out of Action Against Hunger’s office in New York City.
Yael Gottlieb, SVP and Chief Development Officer, Americares
Americares Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Yael Gottlieb provides strategic leadership and hands-on tactical fundraising for Americares health programs and disaster response work worldwide. She leads all corporate, foundation and individual giving, including $1 billion in annual product donations from pharmaceutical and medical supply companies.
Gottlieb has more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including extensive expertise in fundraising, organizational strategy and global development. She joined Americares Development team in 2021 as a deputy senior vice president in charge of individual philanthropy, planned giving, foundation relations and donor stewardship. In 2024, her role was expanded to include corporate giving, cause marketing and enterprise partnerships.
Prior to joining Americares, Gottlieb served as vice president of development at the Institute for Sustainable Communities, overseeing fundraising for programs that created, implemented and scaled equitable climate change mitigation and resilience solutions. Prior to that, Gottlieb served as vice president of development and communications for the International Women’s Health Coalition in New York, an organization that promoted and protected the sexual and reproductive rights and health of women and young people, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Gottlieb also spent more than a decade with Human Rights Watch in New York and New Delhi, including serving as senior director of global development strategy, director of South Asia outreach and senior grant writer and manager of foundation relations.
Gottlieb earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in public administration, international nonprofit management and public policy from New York University.
Women In Development, New York (WID) accepts refund requests made in writing at least five (5) business days prior to the event. Registration fees are not refundable after this date. Nonrefundable ticket purchases may not be used as credits towards future WID events.
By registering for this Women In Development, New York event, I give consent for my photograph to be taken and possibly used on the organization’s intranet, internet, newsletters, board reports, and other organizational materials as needed. I understand that I am not eligible for compensation for use of my photo and I may not be informed in advance of the specific use of those images.
WID & Staffing Boutique Presents
Fundraising Basics for Charter Schools
and Emerging Institutions
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Aurelian
1301 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Young Professional & Student - $20
Member Rate - $30 | Non-Member - $40
Registration Closes November 2!
Join us for a morning of networking and an engaging discussion on development best practices for charter schools and emerging nonprofits. Whether you’re launching your organization’s first fundraising effort or strengthening an established program, you’ll gain practical strategies to deepen donor engagement, build organizational capacity, and support long-term financial sustainability.
We’ll explore key challenges facing growing organizations, from donor retention and staffing to developing achievable fundraising plans that engage leadership and the board. Come connect with peers, share experiences, and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen your fundraising strategy.
We hope you’ll join the conversation!
Breakfast will be served. Space is limited.
Read About Our Moderator and Panelists
Dana Scurlock (Event Moderator), Managing Director of Staffing, Staffing Boutique is a veteran recruitment specialist with over 18 years of experience placing the right people in the right jobs. She has worked with clients of varying sizes and made placements at every level of recruitment from frontline workers to executive searches. This extensive knowledge, strong relationships, and industry know-how specific to the nonprofit sector makes Dana an invaluable member of Staffing Boutique’s leadership team. She earned her BA in English Literature & Theatre from The Ohio State University.
Julie Wolpov, Head of Development, Uncommon Schools, is bringing nearly two decades of executive experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategic growth. Her career spans leadership roles across education, youth development, workforce development, and community organizations, including leadership positions Foundation for Jewish Camp, and JCC Manhattan, as well as nearly eight years leading principal gifts and regional philanthropy at Year Up. Julie specializes in major gift strategy, donor stewardship, and building sustainable, relationship-driven funding models that scale mission driven impact.
Maria Griffin, Founder and Principal, Griffin Associated, Former Chief Advancement Officer of DREAM Charter Schools
Maria Griffin is the Founder and Principal of Griffin Associated, a boutique fundraising consultancy with a bold goal: to raise $1 billion for causes and leaders changing the world. Through strategy, coaching, and hands-on partnership, she helps nonprofits and their leaders achieve transformational fundraising results. Previously, Maria served as Chief Advancement Officer of DREAM (formerly Harlem RBI), where she led a 15-person advancement team responsible for raising approximately $20 million annually. Prior to DREAM, she was a Vice President at CCS Fundraising, leading fundraising planning, campaign strategy, and development initiatives for organizations including UNICEF, KIPP Foundation, and the Fund for Public Health in New York City. She began her career with Teach For America and later worked at Leadership for Educational Equity, where she coached current and former educators, including activist and educator DeRay Mckesson, as they pursued public leadership and elected office. Maria serves on the Board of the Fund for Public Health in NYC, is a former Board member of Emerge New York, and is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. She now calls Brooklyn home.
Amy Gazley, Founder, ARG Fundraising Consultants is an accomplished fundraising professional with over 23 years of experience dedicated to advancing mission-driven non-profits. As the founder of ARG Fundraising Consultants, she leverages her deep expertise in major gifts, corporate partnerships, capital campaigns, and strategic development to help organizations and schools secure the resources needed to thrive. Since 2019, Amy has applied her fundraising expertise to support the Rosalyn Yalow Charter School in its mission to close the student achievement gap for elementary and now middle school students in the South Bronx. Her efforts contributed to the vital funding required for growing and sustaining the school’s resource-intensive model, which includes a low 8:1 student-teacher ratio and specialized response-to-intervention programs for English language learners and special needs students. This sustainable funding enables the delivery of a rigorous curriculum which incorporates Singapore Math, chess, violin, chorus, art, and fencing to help Yalow students consistently outperform city and state averages.
Thank you to our Program Sponsor
Don't forget to follow us on Women In Development's social media channels for updates and share this event with your network. Together, we can make a difference!
Rising Stars
From Coordinator to Director: Building Your Fundraising Career
Monday, November 16, 2026
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
NYU Office of Alumni Relations
115 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003
Registration Fees:
Young Professional & Students: $35
Young Professional & Students Non-member: $40
Member: $45 | Non-member: $50
Registration closes November 15!
What does it really take to advance your career in fundraising? This candid conversation will explore the decisions and strategies that can help you move from Coordinator to Director—from knowing when to stay or make a move, to gaining management experience, expanding your skill set, and avoiding getting pigeonholed in one area of development. Whether you’re looking to take your next step or map out your long-term career path, this discussion will offer practical insights to help you build a fulfilling and successful fundraising career.
Meet Our Rising Stars Speakers!
Tiffany Christopher Associate Vice President of Development, Marist University
Tiffany Christopher serves as Marist University's Associate Vice President for Development, overseeing major gifts, planned gifts, annual fund, athletics, and corporate, foundation, and government grant fundraising. Tiffany joined the Marist community in August 2026.
Prior to joining Marist, Tiffany served as Director of Development for the Discovery Program at Cornell University where she also fundraised as a major gift officer. She spearheaded the strategic vision of the Discovery team, focusing on a dual mission: to identify and grow future major and principal gift donors to Cornell and to develop industry talent for continued growth and success in the development profession.
Tiffany's prior higher education experience includes advancement roles at NYU Law School and Columbia University. She also holds an MBA from Cornell and serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Development, NY.
Lauren Reynolds Director of Corporate and Individual Giving, Uncommon Schools
Lauren Reynolds is a dedicated advocate for educational equity, currently helping lead fundraising efforts for Uncommon Schools in New York City, whose mission is to start and operate outstanding urban public schools that close the college completion gap and prepare students from low-income communities to graduate from college. Her career began with Teach for America, eventually leading her to serve as a school leader of a large charter high school in Brooklyn and subsequently working in the International (IB) education system abroad. Lauren also previously served as a Director of Alumni Affairs at Dartmouth, where she oversaw the Women of Dartmouth network. She holds a BA from Dartmouth ('09) and an M.Ed from Fordham ('11). Lauren is passionate about connecting philanthropic partners with high-impact causes in education with a focus on college access, financial literacy, career readiness, STEM, and AI literacy.
Abby Lawrence Director of Annual Giving & Advancement Operations, The Churchill School and Center New York
Abby Lawrence is Director of Annual Giving & Advancement Operations at The Churchill School and Center in New York City, which provides an innovative and transformational K–12 learning community that empowers students with language-based learning disabilities. Her career in education advancement has spanned independent schools and youth-serving educational nonprofits, with experience in annual giving, donor relations, fundraising events, operations, and communications.
Before joining Churchill in January 2026, Abby served as Development and Communications Associate at Corlears School and Advancement Coordinator at Commonwealth School. Across these roles, she has built a broad foundation in fundraising, combining relationship-building and communications with the data, systems, and operational expertise that support effective philanthropic engagement.
Abby holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Educational Studies, from Macalester College.
Making Every Move Matter:
A Moves Management Master Class
Thursday, November 19, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Virtual
Young Professionals & Students: $15
Members: $25 | Non-Members: $35
Registration Closes on Wednesday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m.
A Zoom link will be sent one day prior to the event.
Join Jennifer de Lannoy, Assistant Vice President of Leadership Giving at Teachers College, Columbia University, for an engaging master class on the strategy behind effective moves management. Drawing on her extensive experience in major gifts, development operations, donor relations, and frontline fundraising, Jennifer will share best practices for building thoughtful donor strategies, creating meaningful momentum, and ensuring every interaction moves a relationship forward.
The session will explore how to approach moves management with greater intention, from strategic planning and prioritization to coordinating touchpoints and measuring progress, while keeping the ultimate goal in focus: deepening relationships and maximizing philanthropic impact. Participants will leave with practical strategies and a more purposeful framework for turning day-to-day donor engagement into long-term results.
Jennifer brings more than 13 years of experience at Columbia University, along with her current leadership role at Teachers College, and is known for her data-driven, process-oriented approach and commitment to mentorship and collaboration.
Panelist
Jennifer de Lannoy is Assistant Vice President of Leadership Giving at Teachers College, Columbia University. In this role she is deeply embedded in the philanthropic work of the College, developing important relationships on behalf of the institution, working in collaboration with TC’s institutional leaders, academic programs and centers, and leading a team of frontline fundraisers, working in major gifts, leadership giving, planned giving and corporate and foundation relations.
Prior to joining TC, Jennifer spent more than thirteen years at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, where she most recently served as Senior Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement overseeing a comprehensive portfolio of strategic functions, including raising major gifts; donor relations; industry partnerships; development operations; and alumni relations for a network of more than 50,000 individuals. Jennifer is known for fostering excellence, mentorship, and a collaborative culture. She brings a data-driven and process-oriented approach to her work.
Jennifer holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from Barnard College. She is an active volunteer in the Barnard College Alumnae Association and the Tuckahoe Union Free School District, where she supports PTA and SEPTA initiatives.
WID Virtual Career Fair
Join WID to learn about exciting opportunities in the Development field. Attendees will be able to connect and network with recruiters and hiring managers.
Thursday, December 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
FREE for WID Member | $25 for Non-Members
Attendee Registration Closes on December 9th at 2:00 p.m.
LOOKING FOR A JOB?
Join us at WID's Virtual Career Fair to learn about opportunities listed in WID’s exclusive Job Bank. Register Today to chat with the individuals who are filling those positions.
LOOKING TO FILL A POSITION?
List your position in the Job Bank and share information about your organization and the open position with the WID audience. Then, host a Zoom room to speak directly with potential candidates about the position. Please complete the Site Registration Form by December 3rd to be featured at the career fair.
Participation as a site requires that at least one showcased position be posted on the WID Job Bank. To list your position, please click here.
Celebrating Leadership, Generosity and Impact
Join fellow fundraising professionals and philanthropists for an inspiring evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and connection as we celebrate three remarkable individuals advancing philanthropy and strengthening our profession