How Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Built a Seven-Figure Gala

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/]

How Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Built a Seven-Figure Gala

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/shellymillwee/] Https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaygoodman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaygoodman/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-texas-gulf-coast-and-louisiana/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-texas-gulf-coast-and-louisiana/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/]