Joey Small doesn’t talk about fundraising as tactics—he talks about relationships. At The Frisch School, he’s helped raise millions by focusing on trust, consistency, and truly knowing donors. From thoughtful outreach to making giving easy, his approach is simple but powerful: when donors feel understood and connected to something meaningful, they don’t just give—they become long-term partners in the mission.

This birthday feels different. Maybe it’s the gray hairs, less hair, or my growing frustration with people who don’t use turn signals or insist on speakerphone in public. Despite that, I feel lucky. I’ve built a career where people pay me to talk, learned most people are actually helpful, and discovered the next generation is curious, thoughtful, and impressive. Still figuring it out… just with stronger opinions now.

Aaron Greenberg, founder of Biograph, helps families and businesses capture their stories, values, and legacy. What began as childhood “bookmaking” evolved into a calling shaped by resilience, collaboration, and curiosity. Today, Biograph goes beyond creating beautiful books—it strengthens relationships, bridges generations, and brings meaning to the stories that define who we are and what we pass on.

Chris Maliszewski learned to lead on a baseball field, not in a ballroom. From coaching Division I athletes to building the Champions Gala into a six-figure engine, he’s always coached belief. After surviving the July 4th Highland Park shooting, he turned trauma into purpose — launching Hail Hail Auctions and co-founding Walking Tall. Energy. Preparation. Heart. Chris isn’t just running events. He’s building impact that lasts.

I met Lonnie Nasatir on his first day as CEO of JUF and immediately saw something different. Since 2019, he’s led through COVID, war, October 7, and rising antisemitism. His formula isn’t flashy—it’s discipline, balance, listening, and calm under pressure. Crisis leadership, he says, is “muscle memory.” Strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about steadiness, trust, and building a culture where people feel seen.

I’ve known Audra for 15 years, and she’s exactly who you want leading a community—smart, direct, and deeply relational. Now CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County, she’s doubled annual fundraising from $4.5M to nearly $9M in four years. Her formula? Tell the truth, build strong culture, empower champions, and lead decisively. Communities evolve. Strong leaders evolve with them.

Founded by award-winning actor and neurodivergent advocate Aaron Wolf, the I Am Able Foundation is reshaping how we see neurodiversity. Through story-driven campaigns like “With Us. Protect All Minds.” and practical tools for schools and families, the organization reframes difference as strength. Their work proves change isn’t driven by messaging alone—it’s driven by stories, action, and community willing to lean in.

More than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability—yet disabled leaders are still missing from the rooms where decisions are made. That’s the gap Disability Lead is closing. In my conversation with Anne Renna, we talked about why leadership must be shaped by people closest to the challenges, how disability cuts across every identity, and what real systems change looks like when lived experience is finally given power.

When I worked at JUF in Chicago, I was pitched everything—tools, platforms, and promises that all claimed they’d “raise millions.” Most of it blurred together. One person didn’t. Tyler Bacon stood out not because of a slick pitch, but because he never pushed. He listened. He followed up thoughtfully. Years later, I learned why his approach to fundraising—and donors—was so different. It changed how I think about trust, timing, and the long game.

Lindsay Meltzer, founder of Bright Bowls in Highland Park, turned her passion for nutrient-dense, beautifully crafted smoothie bowls into both a business and community hub. What began as nourishing meals for her kids blossomed into a storefront that opened mid-COVID and became a place of comfort after tragedy. More than food, Bright Bowls inspires connection, resilience, and joy through mindful eating and community gatherings

Nonprofits have always had to do two things well: make people feel something—and then do something. At American Jewish World Service (AJWS), that equation still holds, but how donors are engaged is changing fast. In my conversation with Peter Taback, AJWS’s VP of Marketing and Communications, we explored how short-form video and thoughtful influencer partnerships are helping AJWS reach younger donors, test new strategies, and drive real fundraising results—without sacrificing

When I worked for a nonprofit, one thing was always clear: you don’t take time off in December. December 29, 30, and 31 mattered—a lot. Around 10% of annual giving often comes in during the final three days of the year. Those gifts don’t just appear. They come from preparation, relationships, and clear asks. From DAFs and IRA rollovers to stock gifts, stewardship, board activation, and short human video—ending the year strong is about focus, urgency, and connection.

From the Navy to aerospace engineering to AI entrepreneurship, Jay Magpantay has followed one theme: build systems that make success inevitable. Today he runs Jumpify Labs, helping businesses and nonprofits start meaningful conversations at scale and turn predictable processes into real growth.

Laura Adams, founder of iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families, is redesigning how schools support adopted and foster children. A former marketer turned educator, she blends strategy and lived experience to close a critical gap: parents need 30–40 hours of training, while teachers get none. Her Beyond the Family Tree training and iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits are already transforming classrooms across Illinois.

I recently learned about The Place for Children with Autism, and I was blown away. As a parent, you’re always wondering if your child is okay—and the earlier support comes, the better. The Place blends evidence-based ABA with the warmth of a preschool, using play to build real-life skills. With one-on-one learning, bilingual tools, and rapid goal updates, kids feel safe, seen, and successful. It’s more than therapy—it’s a lifeline for families.

I first met Jessica Siegel at JUF, where she created communications that made people feel something—not just read stats. Today, she leads Sing Creative Group, helping nonprofits turn mission into message and stories into action. Her belief? “Great marketing isn’t louder—it’s clearer and more connected.” Jessica helps orgs uncover their voice and inspire people to care, give, and get involved.

Jen Bokoff is a connector, strategist, and change-maker who leads fundraising for the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), which supports disability-led advocacy in the Global South. Under her guidance, DRF has moved $55 million+ to 450+ organizations across 40 countries, advancing disability-inclusive policies and laws. Jen’s philosophy: lead with curiosity, follow lived experience, and build understanding before asking for support—because “disability rights are everyone’s rights.”

I love a good story about someone who avoids surgery and ends up pain-free years later — and that’s exactly what happened to Bibi Frederick . She was told her knee pain was caused by cartilage degeneration and that surgery was her best option. Before she went under the knife, this Denmark-born nurse decided to try a supplement a friend recommended. The European company Zinzino  caught her attention because of its science-based approach and personalized testing. Zinzino isn’t

I toured the new Arie Crown campus with Sam Medow—a stunning, once-in-a-generation project built through teamwork, persistence, and a culture of generosity. Over five years, through a pandemic and 300+ donor conversations, Sam and a committed group of leaders raised $40M to ensure families continue to learn and thrive. True leadership is giving credit away—and Sam does it effortlessly.

Philanthropic advising isn’t about writing checks—it’s about writing a story your family can stand behind for generations. JH Philanthropy helps families slow down, name what matters, and build a giving strategy rooted in shared values. They use a human-centered approach that turns giving into something joyful, intentional, and lasting.