Members of the CWIP Communications Committee, Shana Rosenthal and Katie Bardine, had the opportunity to connect with Emma Walsh in early May to learn more about her journey into the nonprofit sector and community she found through CWIP. In the conversation, Emma shared stories of her enthusiasm for mission-driven work which led her to discovering fundraising and the importance of networking with authenticity.

Undoubtedly, if you are a member of CWIP, you have likely been fortunate enough to cross paths with Emma. Emma has been a member for nearly nine years, has been a Co-Chair to the GIRLS Committee for several years, and is currently serving as a Board Member since 2023. For Emma, a career in fundraising started long before she fully realized it could become her profession. 

While attending Loras College, one of her first experiences in development work came working in the Alumni Call Center. At the same time, Emma also became deeply involved in Loras College Dance Marathon, working her way up to the Outreach Co-Chair. This work raised funds for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital and operated much like a full-scale development team. 

Carrying on her special interest in children’s healthcare, she later interned at the AAP, where she works today! Emma credits much of her journey to relationships and connections formed along the way. She recalled Christine Bork, the Chief Development Officer at the AAP, had actually connected her with the opportunity she later took at the Chicago Commons on the development team. Eventually, she found her way back to the AAP in 2023 and fondly appreciates her network and those who helped propel her in her career!

Emma’s involvement with CWIP began in 2017 when her former supervisor, Anne Wilson, invited her to attend the organization’s annual luncheon. Compared to other professional events she had attended, what stood out was the warmth and sense of connection she felt walking into the room. CWIP felt uniquely welcoming and community-oriented, which inspired her to become a member shortly afterward. 

In 2019, Emma joined the newly formed GIRLS (Girls Igniting Real Leadership & Service) Committee, which focused on mentoring, coaching, and bringing leadership development opportunities to girls of all ages. As one of the committee’s early members, she had the opportunity to help shape the group from the beginning, and became a Co-Chair in 2023. She reflected on how rewarding it has been to watch the committee grow through the mentorship program to a career conference for high school girls. 

Because of CWIP, Emma’s experienced significant personal and professional growth. She noted that leading within a volunteer-driven organization taught her valuable lessons, particularly around delegation, collaboration, and prioritization. She’s continuously amazed and inspired by the organization’s volunteers who find time for CWIP commitments alongside their professional work. 

When asked what advice she would offer to someone new to fundraising or philanthropy, Emma reiterated the importance of networking and relationship-building. Early in her career, she challenged herself to attend at least one networking event each week in order to learn more about the different paths available within nonprofits and fundraising. In her own words, “this industry is built on relationships” so, Emma encourages anyone new to the nonprofit world or to CWIP to put themselves out there, connect with others on LinkedIn, grab a coffee with someone in your network, and keep asking questions. 

Looking towards the future of philanthropy, she sees both challenges and opportunities. Nonprofits are navigating a complicated and constantly changing environment. Still, Emma believes the sector is filled with resilient and adaptive professionals who continue to innovate and push forward. She further recommends why it is important for young professionals to find a cause they’re passionate about, and to stay motivated through the challenging times.

When asked to describe the future of philanthropy in three words, Emma chose “resilience,” “passion,” and “inspirational.” She hopes to see nonprofits collaborate in order to not compete for funding - but rather elevate one another through shared ideas. 

Outside of work, Emma enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. If you see Emma at an upcoming CWIP event, be sure to say hello and ask her about her recent trip to Paris, France!

Many thanks to Emma for sharing her story and insights with us. You can learn more about Emma and connect with her on LinkedIn.