Major Gifts: How to Get Them and What to Do Next

Shakespeare was my passion at University of California, Los Angeles. Before I set out to become a literature professor, my mentors encouraged me to join the workforce to gain experience. That is when I landed at Charles Schwab, where I found a new passion for educating people about investments, the stock market and financial planning. I followed that career trajectory for 25+ years, working for mPower Advisors (early robo advisory firm for 401k participants), Barclays Global Investors and iShares / BlackRock. My passion now continues through founding Fairlight where I help nonprofits, foundations and endowments invest to achieve their mission.

Pearl D. Shaw, CFRE, is a fund development strategist and nationally syndicated writer with management experience in the private and non-profit sectors. As a principal at Saad&Shaw she works directly with diverse nonprofit and higher education leaders conducting feasibility studies, designing fundraising programs, and leading training sessions that engage trustees, volunteers and staff.

With over three decades of advancement experience, Marcy brings a sincere respect and energy for the transforming impact philanthropy can have on our organizations and throughout our communities.
Recognized as an excellent and entertaining presenter, she combines her experience with a large, public research university, a small independent school and a variety of clients into thoughtful workshops, keynotes and coaching.

Kelley McGeehan has more than 25 years of experience working in and for nonprofits nationwide, setting up prospect management systems, running moves management meetings, analyzing data, crafting research profiles, training teams how to support their philanthropy officers, and more. She does the work behind the scenes, allowing you to do what you do best – build relationships with prospects and donors to fund the important work of your organization. Her work is informed by 16 years of experience as a philanthropy officer. She founded Conduit Philanthropic Intelligence Partner in 2011.