ADVANCING RACIAL EQUITY BY PROVIDING A QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HOME FOR EVERY MILWAUKEEAN
Meet Michelle
What is your role at CDA?
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As the Director of Philanthropy, I develop and implement CDA’s philanthropic investment strategy to support the organization’s mission of advancing equitable housing in Milwaukee. This role identifies, qualifies, and cultivates relationships with potential philanthropic investors and coordinates meetings, events, and ongoing communications with investors in partnership with the Chief Alliance Executive. I manage the full investor engagement process, including maintaining a prospect database, preparing promotional and grant materials, coordinating major philanthropic grant applications, and providing regular updates to investors. In addition, the position designs and executes social media and advertising campaigns to recruit new philanthropic supporters.
Why do you do this work?
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Non-profits are driven by people who have a heart for humanity and those are the kind of people I want to spend my time with. When the objective is the mission and not profit, the work feels more like a calling than work. It just feels better.
What drew you to CDA?
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CDA's team is compact but powerful. I've spent my career in housing and have witnessed the impact CDA has on homeownership in Milwaukee. I wanted to jump in and help push that work forward.
What do you do for fun in Milwaukee?
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Go thrifting around the city!