As I looked a my calendar this week, I realized how many meetings with the team I had. There were a least 1 or 2 meetings a day, though Wednesday was my busiest day this week. On Monday, I met with my supervisor to discuss the donor survey further, which we then tailored down to roughly 18 questions. This was a significant cut considering I wrote 30 potential questions. In writing the donor survey, I have learned a lot about the donation process. Some main takeaways were learning techniques to retain donors and how donations are accounted for. There is a lot more accounting done within non-profits that get credit for. The CEO mentioned that getting well-versed in basic accounting will be a helpful skill; I see why now. As the weeks go on I am connecting the dots on how the organization functions.

Wednesday was a big day for the team because a board meeting took place before our annual summer party. When I got back from the meeting at The Columbus Foundation, I was immediately met with everyone trying to get the party together. Everyone pitched in with setting up, getting the food, moving tables, and assembling a step and repeat. After the meeting, the party was in full swing. I was able to meet some of the board members, donors, and a board fellow who was assigned to The Women’s Fund through Ohio State. My networking skills have grown over the years to the point where I no longer feel nervous about networking. In the past, I was overthinking what I should say and how I should act when in reality, it is about being personable and honest. More people appreciate honest conversation rather than a rehearsed one that sounds perfect. Using this thought process has helped me stop overthinking so much and just be present in moments where you’re in networking situations and don’t know the majority of the room.

The collaborative effort that it took to set up the summer party made me grateful to be a part of such a great team for the summer. The team always acknowledges the effort everyone puts in whether it is with setting up a party or pitching a great idea there’s always acknowledgment. In some workplaces that’s not always the case, though I am glad I have it with the team at The Women’s Fund, and is something I will look for going forward. 

See y’all in the next one!

Kennedy Smith