About Christal Cherry (she/her)

Christal M. Cherry, The Board Pro, worked 23 years as a nonprofit fundraiser. Now as the Principal and CEO of The Board Pro, she is jazzed about board training and development. Her experiences include sound governance, fired-up fundraising, strategic recruitment and diversity, equity and belonging.

Christal earned an MA from Hampton University, and a BA from Hofstra University. She is a certified leadership coach and board consultant with Board Source. Christal founded Fabulous Female Fundraisers Inc. and serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors. In 2020, she was a contributing author of Collecting Courage. In 2021 she authored a children’s book, Mac and Cheez, Being Different is Okay.

About Lauren Elyse Tudor

Meet Lauren Elyse Tudor, an accomplished CAP®-certified operations strategist, fundraiser, and founder of ARCHITECT Philanthropic Collective. Her impressive track record includes leadership positions at major organizations such as the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Public Allies Cincinnati, YWCA, United Way, and All On The Line (formerly Organizing for America OFA), the campaign to re-elect President Barack Obama. Lauren is a fierce advocate for advancing social justice movements, specifically women's reproductive rights, most recently serving on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

The ARCHITECT team works at the intersection of humanity and altruism to collaborate and achieve fundraising success. Since its founding, ARCHITECT has helped small and medium-sized nonprofits build their capacity in engagement and operational support. By listening to client needs, ARCHITECT creates a comprehensive blueprint that centers mission, goals, and budget. ARCHITECT has assisted nonprofits across the country in raising money from generous contributors, enabling them to expand their philanthropic impact and achieve their visionary goals.

With her vast knowledge and experience, Lauren brings curiosity, creativity, and courageousness to every project she undertakes. She is known for her thoughtfully warm and serious demeanor, yet balanced with professional wit and charm. Throughout her career, Lauren has always aimed to foster a more equitable and just society, where everyone has an opportunity to thrive and contribute to the common good.

About Wanda Scott

With over 22 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Wanda (she/her/hers) has led development and advancement teams in both nonprofit and university settings. She has developed and implemented strategic plans to accelerate institutional growth and sustainability in national and regional organizations. Wanda has held executive and leadership positions at organizations committed to equity and justice, including the East Bay Community Foundation and Pacific School of Religion in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Orchestra, National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta across the United States.

After two decades of leadership and commitment to organizations, she decided to share her passion and expertise for fundraising on a larger scale, establishing Wanda Scott & Associates (WSA), a strategic fundraising consulting business that believes in the joy and transforming power of fundraising and philanthropy. Their mission is to bring knowledge, practical advice, and hands-on fundraising leadership to clients. WSA provides fund development services for clients, strengthen fundraisers' skills, offer guidance to philanthropists, and build the capacity of nonprofit leaders and staff to increase and sustain funding from charitable sources.

As a Black woman-owned business, Wanda incorporates a racial and equity lens in her work and as a guiding business principle.

About Carla Lavender

Carla is a seasoned senior consultant at Columns Fundraising in Atlanta, GA, with a passion for empowering community-based organizations on the brink of expansion. Boasting over two decades of dedicated fundraising experience, Carla specializes in orchestrating major gift campaigns within the nonprofit sector and higher education realm.

Her 20-year career commenced as an individual giving officer at Spelman College, where she refined her expertise in donor engagement, individual giving strategies, and stewardship practices. Over the years, Carla has spearheaded capital campaigns and excelled as a major gifts officer, culminating in her recent role as the Major Gifts Director for Habitat for Humanity Atlanta.

Committed to continuous professional growth, Carla is an active member of esteemed organizations such as the National Gift Planning Council, the African American Development Officers Association (AADO), and Fabulous Female Fundraisers.

Carla holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Walden University, complementing her undergraduate BA from Georgia State University.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Carla finds solace and joy in her marriage and calls Smyrna, Georgia, her home. She relishes moments spent exploring new destinations and cherishing quality time with loved ones.