In this first episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we break down the myths, stereotypes, and feelings of imposter syndrome that emerging leaders and BIPOC fundraisers commonly face. Mojdeh Cox and Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE join hosts Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP and Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP to share their moments of doubt and the steps they’ve taken to embrace their personal and professional potential. 

Guests: 

Mojdeh Cox, Principle, Cox and Co.: Mojdeh Cox brings people together to have challenging conversations around complex issues and develop and execute action plans. For over a decade, Mojdeh has coached organizational and community leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations re-imagining their work through a heightened equity lens. Mojdeh speaks, writes, and provides media commentary on issues impacting communities.

Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE, Head of Development, iNaturalist: Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE (she/her/ella) has 15 years of nonprofit experience, raising funds for climate change and biodiversity, education, and civic engagement. She has worked in all facets of development: major gifts, institutional giving, membership, capital campaigns, consulting, special events, and annual giving. 

Michelle sees herself as a lifelong learner, disruptor, and cross-sectoral community-builder. Michelle is passionate about supporting and mentoring Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) nonprofit professionals and creating better workplace cultures where they can thrive. She is a proud board member of Mission Capital and AFP Global. When not at work, Michelle enjoys watching beauty and makeup tutorials on YouTube, meditating, enjoying local trails and spontaneously dropping in on live music around Austin.

Hosts: 

Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP, Director of National Leadership Giving, Cure SMA: Emily Leitzinger is a fundraising executive with over 15 years of experience driving organizational growth and sustainability through innovative fundraising strategies and donor engagement. She currently serves as the Director of National Leadership Giving at Cure SMA and is particularly proud of launching the first-ever Legacy Society for the organization. Emily is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in philanthropy, as noted in her Master's capstone. In this project, she examines the effects of donor influence on nonprofit operations and proposes frameworks for more balanced and ethical donor engagement. A chartering member and past president of the Mid-City, New Orleans Rotary Club, Emily is affectionately known as the Deputy Governor of "Yes" and is set to become the District Governor of District 6840. In addition to her professional achievements, she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, and craft beer, and is a huge fan of The Office.  She lives in New Orleans with her Elvis-impersonating husband, Mike. 

Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing. 



Allison is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. With accolades such as AFP’s Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional, NBJ’s 40 Under 40, NBJ’s Women of Influence, a National Latino Leader, and the Women Who Rock Nashville Social Justice Award, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier strives to serve and better her community every day. A dedicated AFP member for the last seven years, Allison currently chairs the Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Mentorship Program and serves on the LEAD Education Advisory Committee. When she is not out serving her community, she is spending time with her three kids, Quintan, Karina, and Kamren.