The Development Download Podcast

1 Question, 25 Stories: Live from Ask the Experts

Recorded live at AFP Greater Houston's Ask the Experts conference on June 16, 2026, this episode of The Development Download brings together 25 voices from across our fundraising community to answer one question: Can you share a relationship that started as a simple connection but grew into something much more meaningful? Their answers touch on mentorship, career growth, friendship, and the unexpected ways one conversation can shape a path forward. Featured Voices: Gayla Wilson Andrea Romero Andrea Ward Abby Trahan Madeline Sebastian Jennifer Kapral Kristyna Torres Cheryl Worley Jessy Napier Kamari Brewer Matt Pham Samantha Sheets-Olinsky Nicole Moore-Kriel Liz Bear Derrick Owens Kinsey Crabtree Lena Khattab Corey Chao Kelly J. Zúñiga Lilia Duque Michelle Monaco Angela Seaworth Marty Murad Alexandria Hodge Kelsey George

What the Houston Zoo Can Teach Us About Workplace Culture

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/company/houston-zoo/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/]

Investing in Your Growth as a Fundraiser with Rice's Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Sara Ralston, M.Ed., Associate Director of Operations for the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. We explore what brings fundraisers to seek out additional training, credentials, or continuing education. Sara shares what participants are typically hoping to gain, what they often walk away with beyond their expectations, and how to think strategically about investing in your own growth. We also discuss the programs offered through Rice's Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, including who they may be a fit for and what prospective participants can expect. If you've been considering how to grow in your fundraising or nonprofit career, this episode offers helpful perspective on approaching professional development with intention. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ralston-61a56a50/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ralston-61a56a50/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/]

Make Networking Work for You (Just in Time for the Ask the Experts Conference)

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.

Be the Obvious Yes: How to Stand Out from Resume to Interview with Michelle Buchanan

In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Michelle Buchanan, Principal at Dini Spheris. Michelle brings a hiring-side perspective to a conversation many professionals are navigating right now: how to stand out in a crowded job market. We walk through the full job search cycle, from networking and resume submission to interviews and follow-up. Michelle shares what actually gets noticed, common missteps candidates make, and practical ways to position yourself more strategically at every stage of the process. If you are actively job hunting or preparing for your next move, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you become the obvious yes. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebuchanan1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebuchanan1/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/dinispheris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/dinispheris/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/]