Qaya Thompson, Development Research Manager, The Cleveland Orchestra

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?

When I was a child I always wanted to be a lawyer.  I would watch L.A. Law with my grandparents and I always loved to argue.  Even though I didn’t become a lawyer, my sister did!

Do you have any side hustles?

I work on the weekends as a Crisis Assistant at Counseling Center in Wooster, OH.  I like helping people and it is an opportunity to give back to the community.

When/where was your first Apra conference?

My first APRA Conference was Anaheim, CA in 2010.  It was really exciting to be in California for the 1^st time.  I still remember that the weather was PERFECT and I met some wonderful people.  It started my love for the conference and eventually I started doing presentations for them.

If you were so wealthy you didn’t need to work, what would you do with your time?

I would most likely still do what I do because I love it.  I would probably do it part-time or as a consultant so I had time to travel and relax.  I think work would be more fun if you can take the necessity out of it.

Would you rather have a personal chef, personal housekeeper, or personal chauffeur?

Personal Chauffeur definitely!  I absolutely hate driving with every fiber of my being and would probably go more places and do more things if I did not have to drive.

Sarah Starr Zechman, Associate Director, Advancement Systems and Research, Sierra Club

What was your first job?

I was a waitress at Ponderosa in high school. (Yikes, is that giving away my age?)

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?

I wanted to be the person who trained Shamu and the dolphins at Sea World.  Needless to say, I am not not doing that (and am glad I am not, they belong in the wild!)

What piece of advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of your career?

Don't be afraid to ask questions.  It's not a sign of weakness, it's one of the best ways to learn.  Plus, it will help you become better personally and professionally.

Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?

Absolutely!  It's one of my favorites, can't beat pineapple and green peppers!

Would you rather have a personal chef, personal housekeeper, or personal chauffeur?

Without a doubt, housekeeper!!!!  I enjoy cooking, but hate doing the dishes.  I also enjoy driving, and since I work remotely, I rarely have to drive in rush hour traffic.

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Samantha Sullivan, Prospect Research Specialist, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation

How did you get into fundraising and/or prospect research?

Partially by accident and partially because of my first job interview with my boss, Nickie Montesano. I have a Master’s in Art History but was having trouble finding a non-teaching job at a museum. I knew that I wanted to work at some sort of non-profit.  So in order to pay the bills, I started working at Akron Children’s as a receptionist on the clinical side. A couple years later, a receptionist position became available at the Foundation. During my interview, Nickie (my-soon-to-be boss) mentioned that I would probably really like prospect research and I should look into it. I had never heard of it before but I was intrigued. After I was hired, Nickie (and the other prospect researchers: Katy Berger and Jenn Ewing) took every opportunity to give me small projects to help me develop my researching skills. I am so lucky to have found this department and to work with such amazing people.

What piece of advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of your career?

Just get your foot in the door. I spent a long time thinking I had to immediately get the job I wanted at the place I wanted. Sometimes, you only need to get A job at the place you want. That proves to the organization you really want to work there and it gives them the opportunity to see first-hand how intelligent, hard-working and committed you really are.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

I feel like I should say contemporary art since I have a degree in art history. But I would probably do a presentation on Harry Potter, Jane Austen or some random true crime story.

Would you rather have your dishes or clothes be magically clean?

Dishes. 100%. I have never had a dishwasher and washing the dishes is such a pain. At least, I can do other things while doing the laundry.

If you were so wealthy you didn’t need to work, what would you do with your time?

Travel. Travel. Travel.

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Danielle Gibson, Prospect Researcher, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

What was your first job?

Kroger as a bagger

What do you listen to on your commute?

I listen to basically everything. You could say I have a slight music obsession. 

What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work?

I love working for Cincinnati Children’s. I enjoy knowing that I play a part in helping to raise funds so that the hospital can continue their amazing work and research. Being a mom, it’s nice to know that we have such an incredible hospital so close to home.

What would be the first thing you'd do if you won the lottery?

I’d be on the next flight to Bora Bora

What is your favorite dessert?

Edward’s chocolate cream pie

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Steven Perlin, CRM & Research Specialist, Data Management & Research, Jewish Federation of Cleveland

What was your first job?

In high school I worked at the local park as a recreation assistant and worked in the office, refereed basketball, coached a few teams, and worked as a camp counselor at their sports camp.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work?

I love that my supervisors are exceedingly intelligent, solutions-focused, and good at their jobs. They also give me a huge amount of autonomy while simultaneously expecting results. 

What is your favorite dessert?

Campfire Smores ice cream from Mitchells. Imagine a smore. Now imagine it in ice cream. Ribbons of marshmallow, chunks of chocolate, and pieces of graham cracker. Hungry yet?

If you were so wealthy you didn’t need to work, what would you do with your time?

Two things, both of which are VERY cliche: fixing things around my house and philanthropy. I would fix things around my house because it’s generally enjoyable and challenging, but also saves a lot of money. And I would do philanthropy so I could make a measurable difference in the communities that I care about, without having to do all of the hard work.

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