ABBA said it first in their 1976 hit: “Money, money, money / must be funny in a rich man’s world.” But how about in the world of four women in philanthropic fundraising?
Archer’s advancement department held a philanthropy panel Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the library for seniors. The panel was comprised of four women with careers in fundraising for different organizations.
Founder of Fig Leaf Development Amber Buck Hamilton (‘04), Chief Development Officer of the J. Paul Getty Trust Janet McKillop, Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Chaitali Gala Mehta and Vice President of Charitable Affairs and Executive Director of the Lakers Youth Foundation Kiesha Nix spoke during US FLX Block and answered questions posed by seniors Malia Apor and Layla Tehranchi. Director of Advancement Sarah Rooney and Associate Manager of Advancement Katelyn Downing selected the panelists.
Two months prior to the panel, the advancement department reached out to the four prospective panelists to see if they would be interested in speaking. Confirmed panelists submitted their biographies and photos ahead of time, and the advancement department chose the two student moderators because they have projects connecting to community service and philanthropy.
According to an email from Downing, the purpose of the panel was to educate seniors on the importance of fundraising, philanthropy and getting involved in the community. Because one of the jobs of Archer’s advancement department is to help with fundraising for the school, Downing wrote that she wants students to recognize the importance of philanthropy for nonprofit organizations like Archer.
A theme throughout the panel’s discussion was how to confidently hold careers in male-dominated fields. Nearly every panelist shared a story where they felt “imposter syndrome” or felt unqualified to apply for a career, even when less qualified men were applying confidently. McKillop shared a piece of advice with the audience to believe in yourself and your dreams.
“Bet on yourself,” McKillop said. “And when you have a dream and a vision, stand by it.”
Most of the senior class was in attendance, as well as a few faculty members. Panelists shared stories and advice from their careers, answered student questions and inspired students, according to Emi Marmol (‘24).
“The panel just taught me to go for it,” Marmol said. “Don’t let anyone push you away. And even if it’s a male dominated role or you’re unsure, just go for it and try your best.”
At Archer, fundraising isn’t only just donations from families and alumni. Fundraising is occurring all around Archer’s campus on a regular basis. Through bake sales, non-perishable food and gift drives and certain spirit events, Archer students are continuously raising money for their own causes. According to Downing’s email, the panel demonstrated to students what fundraising and giving back to your community looks when you graduate Archer.
Downing wrote that diversity is an incredibly important factor when organizing panels. The advancement department aimed to have the panel be as much of a reflection of Archer’s student body as possible. Appealing to the audience is an important factor to ensure student engagement. Marmol said the panel helped her recognize the impact that one person can have on a community.
“It was really inspiring to see all the incredible things that these women are doing and the impact that they have made on their communities,” Marmol said. “It’s inspiring to see how much of an impact one person can make.”
Hamilton is an Archer alumna who founded Fig Leaf Development, a fundraising firm that helps organizations and foundations fundraise more effectively. During the panel, she shared that her time at Archer was instrumental in getting her to where she is today, and she is grateful for the Archer community.
“With the opportunities that I had here, to learn, to explore yourself, to get confident, to be loud — is so special,” Hamilton said. “But while it is really special, it also feels like something that shouldn’t be exclusive. And so feeling this gratitude helped me to pursue and try to find ways to bring opportunities to other people so they can know the value of education.”
