We’re kicking off our first 7 Questions for a Changemaker with our dear friend Rowena Veylan, founder of the New School of Fundraising. Rowena has spent over two decades in the sector and is now building a space where fundraisers can learn, grow, and challenge the old ways of doing things. She’s thoughtful, values-driven, and one of the most generous people you’ll meet, exactly the kind of changemaker we want to spotlight.
- Who are you, and what do you actually do? My name is Rowena Veylan and I live on the beautiful unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations with my family. Most days you will find me online with The New School of Fundraising, a virtual school that supports the social sector with fundraising education.
- What pulled you into the nonprofit world? A family member of mine had a serious accident in 2002 and I was introduced to the world of fundraising at that time. I didn’t even know that being a fundraiser was a career option. I signed up for my first fundraising course at BCIT and was working in the industry within six months.
- Tell me about a moment that made you think, “Yes. This is why I do this.” I appreciate how cheesy this sounds but I honestly think that almost every day. I can’t even believe that I get paid to do what I do!
- What’s something about working in nonprofits most people don’t understand? It’s the people… their passion and drive. I don’t think that you can really appreciate that until you are working within the sector.
- What’s one thing you wish more fundraisers or hiring managers knew? The importance of your own values alignment with the cause, your team, the organization, and leadership. I wish that I had spent more time understanding this throughout my career.
- What’s a small, underrated habit that’s helped your career? My husband often says that I could make friends with a rock and that may be true! I love to get to know people and that has helped me in so many ways. Fundraising is about relationships and people are just people.
- Finish this sentence: “The future of fundraising is…” … smarter, simpler, and more personal.