Orlisha Fox
Director of Individual Giving, Mission Continues
Orlisha Fox currently works for the Mission Continues as the Director of Individual Giving. Over the past ten years, she has worked for various non-profit and government agencies specializing in workforce development and social services programs.
She has her Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Government and Policy with two certifications in both Non- Profit Management and Professional Fundraising.
Orlisha has extensive experience developing donor and partner relations programs, campaign management, strategic development initiatives for sustainable funding and retention analysis. Additionally, she has experience in public policy research, strategy, and advocacy on local, state, and federal levels. Orlisha also serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the AFP Maryland Chapter. She is an advocate for D & I research, practice, and procedure implementation with a passion for equity. Orlisha is highly self-motivated with a strong ability to set, prioritize and execute tasks to accomplish immediate and long-term goals.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
My first introduction to fundraising was working for a non-profit as a canvasser. I was in the process of studying non-profit management, and in understanding the various departments, I had the opportunity to work as a frontline fundraiser. As I began learning more about the development department functions and career opportunities within the profession, I became intrigued. There are so many opportunities and transferable skills that can be harnessed and utilized in the non-profit space to create sustainable organizations for missions worldwide.
What is something you wish you knew early on in your fundraising career?
Career mapping in the profession and having access to networking and mentorship opportunities.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Authenticity
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
I am seeing more BIPOC professionals in the space. It truly is a wonderful career. I hope with more representation; we will be able to steward the next generation of trailblazers.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
For being authentically passionate about the missions, I’ve served with and the positive impact made.