Member Spotlight on Ayana Curtis
Posted by [email protected] on Aug. 1, 2026 / Membership & Spotlights / Subscribe 0
Tell us about your career background.
I have been intrigued by fundraising since high school, when I was fortunate enough to serve on the YOUTHadelphia board at the Philadelphia Foundation and learn the grantmaking process. I was amazed by the sheer number of nonprofits in Philadelphia and the vital services they provide. That experience set me on my career path—I saw nonprofit work as a meaningful way to support communities and causes I was passionate about while leveraging my strengths in a career fueled by service.
In college, I volunteered with organizations like WOAR (The Philadelphia Center Against Violence) and ACCT Philly. Experiencing nonprofit work at the grassroots level—alongside my background in early childhood education—led to my first official sector role as Development Associate at First Up during my senior year.
Working on a fundraising team showed me just how nuanced and specialized relationship development is, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve worked with a museum and library in Center City Philadelphia, an animal shelter in Delaware County, and now as the Donor Services Specialist at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). It has been an exciting journey so far with never a dull moment, and I look forward to continuing to learn and connect through AFP-GPC!
Early in my career, I realized the immense value of connecting with fellow fundraisers across organizations. Those relationships have sharpened my skills, built lasting friendships, and helped me better advocate for my organizations. AFP-GPC has been instrumental in that growth. Joining the Emerging Leaders Committee has allowed me to build community with passionate young professionals, attend great conferences, and learn from experienced fundraisers who are always eager to mentor others. Networking and continuous learning are essential in this field, and AFP-GPC consistently provides those opportunities.
Where do you like to volunteer outside of AFP?
Outside of AFP, I am a huge animal lover and have had the privilege of supporting my local shelter, ACCT Philly, for nearly four years!
What do you do with your free time?
I love taking long walks, spending quality time with family, reading, and most recently, learning how to crochet.
What are your future aspirations?
I am constantly discovering new aspects of fundraising that inspire me. I’m eager to deepen my knowledge in individual giving with the goal of becoming a Major Gifts Officer, leading an individual giving department, and eventually becoming a Director of Development. Down the road, I hope to use my sector experience to educate corporate organizations on how they can most effectively support local nonprofits. At its core, this work is about service and relationship development, and I hope to stay in this field for as long as I can.
What are your hopes for AFP-GPC moving forward?
I hope AFP-GPC continues to champion young professionals in our field through mentorship, educational workshops, and networking opportunities. There is so much wisdom in this community, and I hope the chapter continues expanding its membership to give early-career fundraisers every opportunity to thrive.
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