Chris Miano

Chris Miano is the Founder of MemoryFox and an Army Veteran with 2 tours overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his time in the Army, he learned about the tremendous power of storytelling to connect with people across many cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. After returning home to Buffalo, NY he went back to school to achieve a Masters in Business Administration from University at Buffalo with a focus on Finance and Entrepreneurship. It was there that he turned his passion for storytelling into a software platform that helps nonprofits share their story by elevating the grassroots stories of their community.

Ariana Aragon

Ariana Aragon has a proven track record of supporting nonprofits with strategic digital advertising, creative prowess, and entrepreneurial flair. In 2017, she founded Springful, a digital ad agency, which was acquired by Feathr in 2019. As Senior Director of Services, Ariana oversees the Feathr’s in-house Services team which has successfully fulfilled over 4,000 marketing campaigns. She launched her career at an early stage tech startup in Gainesville and has been involved in the city’s budding startup community since. When she’s not moving the needle for nonprofits, she’s ecstatically dancing, cooking curries, kayaking the wetlands of Florida, and rapping Hamilton lyrics.

Teresa Huff

Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in nonprofit strategy. She’s helped nonprofits triple their funding and maximize their impact. After winning over $7 million for schools and nonprofits, she now teaches grant writers and nonprofits the strategies they need to develop millions in sustainable, long-term funding. Her podcast has been downloaded in over 100 countries across 6 continents; more than 3,000 students worldwide have completed her online grant writing programs. Teresa uses her Master’s in Education and over 20 years of experience in writing, special education, and business to help nonprofit leaders take their skills to the next level. She mentors grant writers through her interactive Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Coaching Program, now available for university level credit. Learn more and listen to the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast at www.teresahuff.com.

Patrick Sampson

Patrick Sampson is the CEO of Cogeo. He desires to push the boundaries of what it means to be a philanthropist and creator. Patrick’s collective experience in the realm of high net-worth wealth management, sustainable for-profit enterprise, 501c3s, and technology uniquely positions him to contribute to the conversation.

Two great examples of how cultures become uniquely connected are displayed to us by athletics & music – we as humans have the rare and unique opportunity to find common ground, develop acceptance of one another and collaborate through chosen collective mediums. Only once tolerance is obtained can we start to open up to each other and do real work for those who need it most. Finding that common link, whatever it may be, to whomever, is the paramount purpose of Cogeo, The COGOSTAR Foundation, and the Philanthropic Expansion Fund (PEF).

Brianne Gerzevske

Brianne Gerzevske is the Account Director at Meyer Partners. With over a decade of fundraising, donor relations and nonprofit management experience in the faith-based sector, Bri now works as a consultant at Meyer Partners to help organizations find success, joy and fun in their direct response programs. Bri is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and currently sits on the board for the St. Louis Chapter. She graduated with her MA in Nonprofit Management from Webster University in 2017 with high honors, and is a member of Delta Mu Delta (International Honor Society of Business). She has been a Certified Fundraising Executive since 2018. When she is not working or learning all the things, Bri is painting, blogging and hosting the “Lutheran Ladies Lounge” podcast on KFUO Radio.

Noah Gerding

Noah Gerding is a Consultant at Responsive Fundraising. He has devoted the past two decades of his professional career to the nonprofit sector, specifically in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. From creating or leading organizational strategy in individual or institutional giving and donor relations to communications, marketing, volunteerism, events or board governance, Noah’s contributions continue to help ensure that overlooked communities—supported by a wide variety of diverse nonprofits—are seen, elevating the voices of those both being served and those called to serve.

Dave Norris

As the CEO of Proofpact, a software company revolutionizing community engagement for nonprofits, I am dedicated to making a positive impact through technology. With a deep understanding of both marketing and development, I bring a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the table. I have a proven track record as a former agency owner and am constantly exploring the latest in cutting-edge technologies to drive my mission forward. I am a firm believer in the power of community storytelling and strive to deliver unparalleled user experiences for nonprofits.

Claire Axelrad

Claire Axelrad is the Principal at Clairification. With over 30 years of fundraising experience, Claire is passionate about helping nonprofits create a culture of philanthropy that moves beyond transactions and into transformation. Claire’s practical approach and expertise have earned her numerous awards and recognition, including the AFP “Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year” award. Claire is based in San Francisco and enjoys craft fairs, baseball games, art openings, music, and political conversations.

Patrick Rafferty

Patrick has over 20 years of experience as a producer and director of TV spots, corporate image films, and marketing videos. He has directed what you might call an intriguing mix of public figures and celebrities, including Bill Gates, John Glenn, C. Everett Koop, Val Kilmer, Joe Gibbs, Wyclef Jean, Ryan Lochte, Quincy Jones, Ross Perot, and many major political figures. Patrick earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Drexel University, where he also played collegiate basketball. A leader in local non-profit and philanthropic causes, he has been a featured speaker in undergraduate and graduate media production courses.

Ellen Bristol

Ellen Bristol is the President of Bristol Strategy Group. Ellen Bristol considers herself a performance-management nerd and a geek for metrics. Or maybe the other way around. Her mission is to improve the success of nonprofit fundraising by adapting the most beneficial practices of high-performing sales team and their managers, to improve the performance of fundraising teams, including volunteers. She’s known for her Leaky Bucket Assessment for Effective Fundraising, the only popular study of fundraising-team productivity in the sector.