Carmen Aiken, MS
Grant Writing and Development Communications
Carmen is based in Chicago, IL, and holds a Masters in Urban Policy and Planning from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Her professional interests include community development and philanthropic engagement strategies for emerging demographics (including associate and development boards). She has written and developed grants for funders from family foundations to tech companies, from $500 to $500,000. She is happy to work with clients to craft powerful stories for communications campaigns, annual reports, and print or digital collateral. Carmen has executed events from intimate storytelling evenings to fundraisers of 20,000+ attendees. She enjoys the outdoors, writing, and live music.
Lauren McGuire, MSW, DSW Candidate
Grant Writing and Prospect Research
Lauren is a mid-level professional social worker and a first year Doctor of Social Work in Human Rights Leadership Candidate at Monmouth University. Curious, analytical, and innovative, Ms. McGuire has varied interests and experiences. Compassion, relationship building, and activism are at the core of her professional and personal ethos. Ms. McGuire received her Bachelor of Social Work at Siena College and her advanced-standing Master of Social work at Syracuse University, concentrating on macro social work issues. Her current research interests generally include peace, security, transnational governance, and women and children who are forcibly displaced or are living in areas of conflict. Ms. McGuire’s doctoral Capstone will bolster the International Federation of Social Workers Social Work at the United Nations Initiative through applied research around Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17.
Ms. McGuire is a member volunteer with Zonta International, International Federation of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers, Greenpeace, Council on Social Work Education, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She recently joined Siena College Department of Social Work’s Advisory Board to support macro and international social work. Nulla lectus ante, consequat et ex eget, feugiat tincidunt metus. Donec ac fringilla turpis. Maecenas non leo laoreet, condimentum lorem nec, vulputate massa.
Calvin Burton, MPA, CFRE
Prospect Research and Strategic Planning
Calvin is an experienced development professional in the nonprofit sector with a passion for donor prospect research and strategic planning. Based in Durham, NC, Calvin has a talent for discovering funding opportunities that others might miss, and for developing thorough strategies that maximize the potential of nonprofit organizations.
Calvin’s donor prospect research expertise has allowed him to assist nonprofits in identifying and cultivating relationships with major donors, resulting in increased funding. He is skilled in creating personalized research plans that target potential donors and provide valuable insights into their giving history, interests, and financial capability.
An accomplished nonprofit strategist, Calvin has worked with organizations of various sizes and missions to create actionable strategic plans that prioritize goals, objectives, and outcomes. He recognizes that each nonprofit has unique needs and challenges, and he tailors his approach to meet those specific requirements.
Calvin’s commitment to his professional development is evident in his numerous achievements, including receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for Healthy Futures and obtaining the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification. He is also a member of Men of Color in Development and the African American Development Officers Network.
Outside of work, Calvin enjoys trying new foods, karaoke, traveling with his partner, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Matt Elzweig
Communications, Audio/Video Production, Research
Matt Elzweig is a researcher, editor, and writer with experience in the higher education marketing, journalism, and tech industries. He taught English to Speakers of Other languages in Asia and the U.S., is a former podcast producer and host, and is a voice actor who narrates commercials and promos as well as eLearning and corporate projects.
Tamara holleman
Special Events, Membership Programs
Emma Honey
Special Events, Database Management