Stefanie Smith
Stefanie Smith, MBA
Reunion Giving Program
Georgia Institute of Technology
Stefanie is a 23-year development professional at Georgia Institute of Technology. Originally from Troy, Alabama, the prominent Spelman College brought her to Atlanta where she’s an alumna of Georgia State University and Troy University. Her career in nonprofits started with ASHRAE and has rested for quite some time at Georgia Tech where she works with reunion classes. Area of expertise is rekindling relationships and fostering new relationships through milestone reunions.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
I found myself in the fundraising profession while in pursuit of an education without accruing additional student loan debt. Georgia Tech offers great tuition assistance programs. That was the low hanging fruit for me in terms of institutions to work for. My first job there was in a department that I did not apply for - Development. My initial life plan was always to help others. I wanted to become a doctor and impact lives by caring for people. Certain overwhelming circumstances and detours made that dream slowly fade. But, I have no regrets because I find fundraising just as enriching and rewarding; I learned that philanthropy can be impactful as well by providing scholarships and endowments for students, fund research, professorships and so much more. Fundraising as a career choice is fulfilling which is why I stayed with the profession and the institution.
What is something you wish you had known early in your fundraising career?
I wish I had known how broad a career in fundraising is. I would have moved around more to learn about other philanthropic institutions and their missions. Working for an educational institution is fine but there are so many other organizations doing great things in the name of philanthropy.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Every fundraiser should be an active listener to the donor and/or a great observer. I feel listening and/or observing donor body language could give you clues and direction on what motivates a donor to continue to give even beyond their lifetimes.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
Seeing the impact is what inspires me about the fundraising profession. I’ve been with Georgia Tech for over 20 years and when I navigate this campus, I see the impact philanthropy has made for some many. I feel great about helping alumni see the impact of their gifts through scholarships and capital projects. I am more elated when I see them continuing to give.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I want to be remembered as a passionate, sincere professional driven by purpose. Purpose motivates me and the relationships established from that keeps me humble. It’s the relationship that fundraising nurtures is what inspires me to do my job daily.