Inclusive Leaders: Get ready to learn, connect and be inspired! Enter Your Inclusive Leadership Journey Here.
It wasn’t long ago that I was in a leadership program, excited and filled with anticipation to begin the program and start learning, connecting and ready to be inspired. I feel those same feelings now as I embark on leading the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy-Canada’s (AFP Canadian Foundation) Inclusive Giving Fellowship Program. My name is Sahar Vermezyari and I am the Program Manager for this exciting new program in Ontario, and I cannot wait to meet all of you Fellows, Mentors, advisors and supporters.
I remember my early career; I had so much passion and energy, but I lacked some practical skills, and most importantly, I didn’t see myself as a leader yet. But someone did see me as a leader, and supported me in going through a leadership program where I met inspiring individuals, had conversations that I used to have only in my own head, and started to see my place in the sector. That’s why I am so excited to be a part of the Inclusive Giving Fellowship Program; I want to see you go through your own journey to realize your potential.
There are so many components to this rich program that will give entry and mid-level fundraising and not-for-profit professionals the boost they want to become inclusive leaders, make a greater impact with their work, and become change-makers. Some of these components are access, free of charge, to dedicated education series, professional development sessions and 2 large scale conferences, one-one-one mentoring with an experienced professional and support throughout the program from me.
You can become a part of and share and receive support from a large, expansive and rich network. AFP has 241 Chapters globally serving 33 000 members and 20 Chapters in Canada with a membership of 3800. AFP hosts numerous professional development opportunities, including large conferences like Fundraising Day and Congress, a 3-day conference, to both of which Fellows will have access.
We, myself and the wonderful AFP team, want this program to act as a catalyst for fostering and developing inclusive leaders who will build the foundation for developing a charitable sector that reflects the diversity we see within Ontario and leave a legacy through their work.
If you are a fundraising professional, or you are considering becoming one, if you would like to know how to work with a diversity and inclusion lens, and you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next leadership level, please read the program materials and consider applying to our Fellowship Program.
I am excited, once again, to begin the Inclusive Giving Fellowship Program, to learn, to connect and be inspired.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at [email protected] or 416-878-5025.
