Apra Talks: Communication Can be Hard. Words are Important.

Recorded On: 07/29/2021

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Apra Talks began in the style of TED Talks, with industry specialists sharing their expert opinions. As we discovered a difference in outlooks during these talks, this conference session was shifted into Apra Debates. In both sharing professional judgment and debating the merits of something we believe in, there’s still one common theme we continue to see: communication can be hard and words are important. This year’s Apra Talks will seek to inform and spark conversation on three topic areas where our words sometimes get in the way:

Topic 1: Updating Problematic Terminology
Updating problematic terminology helps cultivate a more welcoming and inclusive work environment. The language we use shapes how we view our donors, our missions and ourselves.

Topic 2: Establishing Common Definitions
Establishing common definitions and terminology improves our ability to benchmark and share ideas that can advance our industry. Shared global terminology that is collaborative and standardized helps us all to work together, track our progress, compare results, and create sustainable processes that will move our industry and our organizations forward.

Topic 3: Positioning and Branding
Positioning and branding encourages the behaviors you seek and help you get the results you desire. 

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Apra Talks: Communication Can be Hard. Words are Important.
Recorded 07/29/2021
Recorded 07/29/2021 Apra Talks began in the style of TED Talks, with industry specialists sharing their expert opinions. As we discovered a difference in outlooks during these talks, this conference session was shifted into Apra Debates. In both sharing professional judgment and debating the merits of something we believe in, there’s still one common theme we continue to see: communication can be hard and words are important.

Cara Giacomini

Chief Research and Data Officer

CASE

Cara Giacomini is the new Chief Research & Data Officer for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In this role, she leads CASE’s AMAtlas initiative—a primary resource and service provider for data, benchmarking, analytics and original research to the educational advancement community worldwide, launched by CASE in 2018. Before starting at CASE this August, Cara spent 20 years at the University of Washington, most recently as the Director of Advancement Analytics. In University Advancement, she was instrumental in building a strong data culture where she improved donor outcomes at all levels and pioneered efforts to build infrastructure and expertise in digital analytics. She received her PhD in English and Textual Studies from the University of Washington in 2003.

Suzi Elzie-Tuttle, MLIS

Senior Prospect Analyst, Prospect Development, University Development and Alumni Relations

University of California, Berkeley

Suzi Elzie-Tuttle is a Senior Prospect Analyst at the University of California, Berkeley supporting the Berkeley School of Education, the Math & Physical Sciences Division, and the Biological Sciences Division. Prior to UC Berkeley, Suzi was a Senior Prospect Analyst at the California Institute of Technology. She is the current chair of Apra’s DEIBJA committee and has participated on the committee since 2020. Outside of development work, Suzi is a freelance writer who has had pieces published in traditional books as well as through online publications like Alta Journal. She is a longtime Contributing Editor for Book Riot, North America’s largest independent editorial website about books, as well as co-host of Book Riot’s All the Books! podcast. Suzi earned a B.A. in Creative Writing and Musical Theatre from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University. She lives in Oakland, CA with her wife and a positively alarming amount of books.

Paul Wiklanski

Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development

University of Michigan

Paul Wiklanski is the Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development at the University of Michigan and is a visionary thought-leader who encourages change management with executive teams and organizations. A problem-solver who leverages analytics, creativity, and experience to develop actionable and compelling strategic insight. A leader who delivers results and empowers the success of his team. In his current role as the Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development - University of Michigan; Paul is dedicated to increasing frontline fundraiser effectiveness by integrating information and fundraising intuition. He is focused on improving fundraiser user experience with available data; visualizing that data and transforming it into actionable insights and amplifying donor-centric practices. He is the former president of APRA - Michigan and currently a member of the APRA Advocacy Committee. Paul has previously held positions in Marketing and Annual Giving with the university. Prior to joining Michigan Paul worked in the corporate sector with an emphasis on international markets.