I’m Kenna, a fundraising coach based in Silver Spring, MD. Over a 20-year period–thanks to the partnership of many donors, friends, and colleagues–I’ve raised millions of dollars in all types of organizations, from start-ups to world-class universities. Currently, I serve as the Chief Development Officer of University Libraries for the University of Maryland.
I teach fundraising at Sacred Heart University and have taught at Johns Hopkins SAIS. I’m a regular presenter in the fundraising community on topics such as “Making the Ask” for Introverts, the Science of Schmoozing, The Inner Game of Fundraising, and more.
But here’s the thing: like many of my kin, I fell into my fundraising career quite unexpectedly. I was initially bound for academia. Along the road to becoming a professor, I realized that engaging donors to support a worthwhile mission was a perfect fit for my writing skills, natural curiosity, and changemaking spirit.
As a coach, I love to work with introverts, writers, working parents, career-changers, and anyone else who wants to perfect their pitch–whether to solicit a gift, land a job in philanthropy, or simply level up your professional persona. I’m a graduate of Wellesley College, the University of California-San Diego, and the University of Rhode Island. My essays have appeared in Bethesda Beat, Fairygodboss, Introvert, Dear, NonProfit PRO, and elsewhere. Don’t forget to join my mailing list or connect–I’d love to hear from you!
Pitch Perfect Fundraising 