Cindy Boccabello, Assistant Director of Prospect Management from Furman University, was awarded the 2023 Professional Development Grant from Apra Carolinas. She chose to use the award to attend Apra PD virtually! Below is a Q&A between Cindy and Rachael Walker regarding her experience.
Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been doing prospect development?
I have been in my current position as Assistant Director of Prospect Management for Furman University for four years. Although that’s a short time, I’ve worked with all of our fundraisers for 18 years taking on many prospect management tasks in other positions. I’m eternally grateful for my supervisor who promotes my strengths and allows me to use my abilities to do what I love to do.
Have you attended an Apra PD conference prior to this year?
This is the second conference I’ve attended, both virtually.
Why did you choose this conference?
I first joined APRA after I was officially moved to the world of prospect development. COVID took its toll so last year was my first time experiencing the conference. Those sessions proved to be educational, and I was equipped with so many new ideas and processes to put to use at Furman. Why not take advantage of others’ knowledge and experiences?
Did you have a favorite session?
The session ‘Create and Maintain a Prospect Referral Tracking System’ had my head spinning with ideas. We track our referrals, but I’m imagining new processes to follow referrals through assignment and qualification (or disqualification as needed).
Did you notice any common themes throughout the sessions? Anything that was new to you?
Kindness, patience, and a willingness to help from all of the speakers and attendees. All were eager to share their processes and procedures while answering the very basic of questions.
Did anything unique stick out about this conference as compared to others you’ve attended?
Virtual conferences are unique. I really missed the fellowship and engagement with other people. Regardless, I was able to make new, valuable connections.
Would you recommend that the next recipient of the scholarship use their funding on this conference?
Yes!
Is there anything that you’d like to implement at your organization as a direct result of attending this conference?
Referral Tracking! Although we currently code referrals, we could do a better job at following up on those referrals.
Apra Carolinas encourages everyone to apply for our scholarships, regardless of financial need. Our scholarships typically open early in the calendar year. For more information, please visit the Scholarships & Grants page on our website or contact us directly with your questions.
