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Diversity: What if I Say the Wrong Thing?
Thursday, August 20, 2020, 7:45 AM - 9:30 PM EDT
Category: Programs

Diversity: What if I Say the Wrong Thing?

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Registration Fee:  $15

  • 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Login and Virtual Networking
  • 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Educational Program (1.5 CEUs)
  • Bonus! A 30-minute post-meeting deeper dive begins at 9:30 a.m. (included)

Racism and a lack of diversity are serious issues we face in our sector. The book, What if I Say the Wrong Thing? by Verna Myers helps readers explore their personal diversity journey. It includes "25 habits for culturally-effective people" that can help everyone move diversity forward. During this interactive discussion led by Birgit, we will take a deep dive into three of the 25 habits. The goal is to help participants learn to stop and think about how to be more aware and sensitive to others. While not required, you may want to read the book prior to the meeting. We will  focus on Habits #1, #2, and #11.

Location:  Virtual Event!  Login details will be sent with your confirmation.  Due to the interactive, sensitive  nature of this meeting, the August session will not be recorded.


Presented by:

Birgit Smith Burton 
Executive Director of Foundation Relations
Georgia Institute of Technology

Birgit Smith Burton is a respected leader in the fundraising profession having raised more than $500M during her 33-year career. As the executive director of foundation relations at Georgia Tech, she led her team in raising $309M toward the institute's most recent successful $1.8B capital campaign.

Birgit is a well-regarded speaker on the topics of fundraising and diversity. She has authored articles on diversity in the fundraising profession, co-authored the book, The Philanthropic Covenant with Black America and contributed to the book Five Minutes for Fundraising, A Collection of Expert Advice.  She was proud to be selected by Georgia Tech leadership to participate in the first cohort of Leading Women @ Tech, which identified the next community of leaders who will guide the Institution in the 21st century.

Birgit serves on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is Vice Chair for Membership.  She chairs the A.E. Lowe Grice Scholarship Fund, Hosea Helps board of directors and is an advisor for the Aspen Leadership Group. Birgit founded AADO, the African American Development Officers Network, which for 22 years has provided professional development, education, employment support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for fundraisers of color.  She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Birgit earned a bachelor's degree in media communications from Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.

Thank you to our meeting sponsor:
AFP Central Pennsylvania Chapter

Register Online

Contact: [email protected]