Ohio Prospect Research Network Established 1987 - Apra Ohio Chapter
Amy Griffith, Strategy and Research Analyst, Otterbein University
What could you give a 45-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I am a self-proclaimed “Disney Geek”. I could give a 45-minute presentation on Walt Disney World travel without thinking. In fact, someone may need to cut me off . My husband and I and our two kids have traveled to Disney World over 15 times. Heading back for Spring Break!
When/Where was your first APRA conference?
I am new to the career of Prospect Research, so I haven’t had the opportunity to attend a conference yet. But, I look forward to hopefully attending this year.
What is your favorite board game?
My husband and I love playing board games. So, it is hard to pick just one. But, I would have to say, Catan is our favorite. We have also bought many of the expansions to go with it such as Cities & Knights and Traders & Barbarians. We recently got the Seafarers expansion at Christmas and are enjoying that version.
What is the last TV show you binged watched?
The last TV show we binge watched is Yellowstone, as well as the spinoffs 1883 and 1923.
Are you an early bird or night owl?
I am definitely an early bird. I wake up at 4:30am everyday and go to the gym before work. But, if you are trying to reach me after 9pm, I am most likely sleeping already.
Christine Bitner, Prospect Research Analyst, University of Dayton
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
Build good bridges; don't burn them. Every person you meet could potentially be the key to a new opportunity. You never know how that interaction may fit into your future, both personally and professionally.
Genealogy research. I am absolutely obsessed. I even worked for our local history library for a few years as a young woman—nothing like getting paid for your hobby.
When/where was your first Apra/OPRN conference?
I attended my first in-person conference last year, OPRN, at the Columbus Zoo.
Where's the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
I would love to go to Niagara Falls, both the US and Canada side. I am utterly obsessed with oceans and waterfalls. It's not just the beauty that attracts me; maybe it's the soothing sounds—the rhythm of it. There is also something about the energy and possibly the danger of them and how they are completely out of our control that both scares me and calms me down at the same time.
What is your favorite season?
Summer is definitely my favorite season. The days are longer, and there are so many more things to do socially in the summer, like fairs, festivals, and BBQs. Also, I love gardening. Whether it is indoors or out, flowers or food, it keeps me "grounded", LOL. Gardening is like a tranquil retreat for me. The repetition and solitude are very meditative. Watching things grow and produce and then preserving that food to share with family and friends is a tremendous source of pride for me.
Nicole Wright, Prospect Research Consultant, Ohio State University
How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect development?
My best friend and OPRN member Jenny Sowash and I applied for seasonal jobs at the Zoo while we were students at OSU. Jenny was hired as a seasonal and has made a career there. I interviewed for a Zoo seasonal job but was called back to my OSU student job. A few years later, a position opened up at the Zoo in the Development Office running the Adopt An Animal program and other fundraising programs. I was there for 9 years which gave me a foundation for fundraising and non-profits. I went on to positions at Habitat for Humanity, Franklin Park Conservatory, The Ohio State University, Goodwill Columbus, Cristo Rey Columbus. I returned to Ohio State in 2022 as a Prospect Research Consultant.
When/where was your first Apra conference?
Indianapolis in 2023
What skill would you like to master?
Kitchen knife skills. I love watching Chopped, Top Chef and all kinds of cooking shows and wish I could chop vegetables like a chef!
Scrabble
The West Wing. I binge watch this at least twice a year.
Cara Perez, Manager of Advancement Operations, Jump Start, Inc.
I was a lost college graduate who had no idea what to do next. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity by way of a friend to work for a small nonprofit that needed help with database management after acquiring another nonprofit. I have always enjoyed meeting donors during events and a few years into my career, I learned I could get to know donors without ever having to do the “ask”. I truly enjoy prospect research, learning about my community and the impact it can make on an organization.
You are always networking! You never know when someone you previously met or worked with can help you in the future.
If you could complete one work-related task with a wave of your hand, what task would you choose?
Updating occupation information in real time!
What’s a random fact you recently learned?
In 1892, the first rollercoaster at Cedar Point opened and with a top speed of 10mph.
Ted Lasso and I loved the ending.
Tessa Niederbaumer, Manager, Prospect Research, Cleveland Clinic
After graduate school, I was accepted as a development fellow at a foundation supporting a local hospital. This position gave me exposure to all aspects of a fundraising shop and the experience helped me define what I wanted to focus on (I originally thought I wanted to plan events). As with many shops, there was not a dedicated research team, so I wasn’t able to do a formal rotation. I think I fell into the field because I showed an interest in knowing more about the people who donated and because I had some background in analytics so I was able to collect information from many sources, summarize, and present usable information. After my fellowship ended, I moved on to my first prospect research-focused job and I haven’t looked back!
I am a huge Peloton fan and could give a presentation on Peloton/the instructions with no preparation, lol. I bought a bike at the very start of the pandemic after trying it in a showroom in Los Angeles (I caved to peer pressure). I had never cycled before buying the bike. I became hooked, and I have done a class on the platform (bike, walk, run, yoga, medication) each week since.
Are there any books, podcasts, or courses that have changed the way you approach your daily work?
I listen to a podcast produced by American Public Media called Marketplace - https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace/. It comes out daily and focuses on business and economic news, but no degree or finance background is required. It’s been helpful in keeping up to date on the economy and factors that impact philanthropy.
How do you approach traveling on vacation? Do you make an itinerary or just explore?
I am planner so I love a good itinerary. However, my husband is more of a “go with the flow” type person. We compromise, and typically I will plan one thing in each city we visit and then leave the rest unplanned.
Is chili a soup?
I consider chili to be more akin to a stew than a soup. However, my overall view of chili may be a bit controversial since I grew up eating Cincinnati Chili. My dad’s side of the family is from Cincinnati, and I have many memories at Skyline and being in the kitchen helping my mom make homemade chili.
Danielle Mihalcea, Research Associate, Philanthropic Partnerships, Cleveland Foundation
I have a background in investigative research, so it was perfect for me! The depth of Philanthropy is spectacular. I enjoy the people I meet, the skills I am developing, and the impact fundraising has on the community.
Always be willing to learn anything, even if it doesn’t pertain to your field. You never know when it might come in handy!
I would like to master the science of research. What I mean by that is, learning efficient techniques, the best software, and the organization skills it takes to create an excellent project.
Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
Romania! My parents are from there and we use to visit every other summer. I haven’t been back since before COVID, so I miss the food, culture, and beautiful views.
Early bird gets the worm.
Anne White, Senior Prospect Research, University Hospitals
I’ve got two:
Entering data into database.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
How to do a meaningful and strategic profile.
Hybrid. I try to have a few key destinations but don’t like to let the spontaneity of the trip be spoiled with too long of a checklist.
What are you reading now?
Just finished reading both Spare by Prince Harry and Palace Papers by Tina Brown.
Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Hall and Oates (child of the 70’s!).
Night owl.
Betsy Schmidt-Gullett, Executive Director of Prospect Development, University of Cincinnati Foundation
What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?
I wanted to be an artist… singing, acting, dancing, painting, writing poetry… all the things! Sadly, I have no performing arts talents. I still occasionally write, but only for myself to “find the truth” as Madeleine L’Engle used to say.
If you were so wealthy you didn’t need to work, what would you do with your time?
The obvious answer: spend more time with my kiddos and travel! Honestly, I have always thought that if I didn’t have to work I would still work in some capacity – part-time or as a volunteer, but would feel the need to do something to help others.
The Scholomance Series by Naomi Novik – Just finished this series and LOVED it! If you enjoyed Hunger Games, the Divergent trilogy or Harry Potter, I highly recommend this series! Literally read the first two books over a weekend.
An octopus has nine brains! My boys told me this and I couldn’t believe that it was true… but it is… these kids are fascinating.
Favorite way to reenergize during the day?
Take a walk – move around – dance in the kitchen. My brain starts working better after I start moving my body. Love to have walking meetings!
Jennifer Ewing, Senior Prospect Research Specialist, Akron Children’s Hospital
Volunteer at my daughter’s school and with at-risk youth.
What childhood rule was most difficult for you to follow?
No talking in class.
Make sure you enjoy what you do.
2019 Scottsdale, AZ
Dave Matthews Band
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