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Featured as a Modern Women Making Waves

This is an interview I did with Jane Inch for Modern Women Making Waves!

For Sterrin Bird, founder of Pacific Advancement Partners, nonprofits are never ‘business as usual’ – creative and innovative thinking can support their missions with maximum positive impact. A nationally recognized leader in the nonprofit community, Sterrin has more than 25 years of experience in service to philanthropy, with an emphasis in capital campaigning and major gifts. She has held a number of significant leadership roles within some of the most prestigious organizations in the country. Her experience is extensive and impressive.

She inspired me with her authenticity when I met her many years ago through the Junior League of San Francisco. I quickly learned that she is the go-to gal when it comes to nonprofit fundraising: smart, savvy, a straight-shooter…and someone I instantly wanted to know better.  We’ve been sharing stories, cocktail time and laughs ever since. In her free time, Sterrin can often be found enjoying summer sunshine or winter skiing at Lake Tahoe with her two children Thomas and Mary.

For more about Sterrin and Pacific Advancement Partners click here

Casual Conversation with Sterrin…

Good advice is a gift — what is the best advice you’ve been given?

The very best advice I’ve been given is to bring your authentic self to everything you do – to pretend you are anything other than exactly who you are in business (or anywhere else) is doing you, your colleagues, friends and family and the organization you serve a disservice. It can be very scary to show up as yourself, warts and all – especially if you’re having a bad day or have challenges going on personally – but you need to always be authentic – because it builds character and trust in YOU – from the inside out.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

The top of my bucket list? That’s a good one. I’d really like to spend a month in Italy – I’ve never been there and I’d love to go and immerse myself in the culture, the people and (of course) the food and wine. I’m aiming for summer 2017!

Who would you invite to your ideal Girl’s Night?

Famous people? mmmm – I’d love to have dinner with Michelle Obama, Chelsea Handler and Joni Mitchell – with a side of Wanda Holland Greene!

Regular people? My 4 best girlfriends who are all so different from one another

What is your go-to piece of clothing?

A crisp white blouse from Lafayette 148 NY – it’s a classic and can be dressed up or dressed down…

What do you sing when you are alone in your car?

These days Mat Kearney – I love his music…especially the album City of Black and White…and if I’m with my kids, it’s usually Taylor Swift…yes, I’ll admit it!

What is the best compliment you have received?

The best compliment I ever received was from a former colleague who said that I showed her what leading from the front of the room looked like – she said that I showed her (and others) that it was possible to be a mom, be real, tell the truth and be vulnerable while leading a huge national team through an enormous re-organization with humor and grace.

Runner up would be that people always compliment me on my skin…I’m blessed with good genes and look younger than I am…

How has your life been different than you imagined?

I never imagined that I would be divorced and raising two kids while balancing and managing a career on my own – but here I am, doing exactly that. I also never imagined that I would be as happy as I am doing just that while standing in my own power.

What is your most-used word? (And what word do you wish everyone would stop using?)

It’s not a word – it’s an expression…I am always asking people if I am making sense while I am expressing myself – it’s a way to get feedback in the moment –

Who is your celebrity crush?

George Eads

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Expensive Red Wine

What is your favorite museum?

Musee d’Orsay in Paris…I love that they turned a train station into a magnificent museum

What is the first thing you notice when you meet someone?

Their eyes….I always look for smile lines…you can’t hide that kind of genuine happiness and I want to be around it…

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From Fiji With Love

My thought From Fiji with Love

“The heart, however, wants to connect us and wants to share. It wants to show us that there are no differences and that ultimately we are all the same. The heart has an intelligence of its own, and if we learn from it we will know that we keep what we have only by giving it away. If we want to be happy, we make others happy. If we want love, we have to give love. If we want joy, we need to make others joyful. If we want forgiveness, we have to forgive. If we want peace, we have to create it in the world around us.  If we want our own wounds to be healed, we have to heal others.”

Into the Magic Shop, James R. Doty, MD

I was recently given the gift of 10 quiet days of solitude on Turtle Island, Fiji to reflect and regroup after a very busy 2016 full of change and challenge.  Like many of you, my year was full of a lot of work and family obligations – and much of it ended up being surprising and, yes, even shocking!  Certainly tiring!  During this time in Fiji I read the book Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty at the recommendation of my friend Karen Rhodes.  The quote above resonated with me on many levels which is why I share it with you today – and within the context of how fundamental philanthropy (love of mankind) is to our well being as individuals and as a larger global community.

As 2016 wound down, I found myself at a meeting with many of the very brightest minds in the social sector – people who are challenging the status quo in the world of philanthropy with a deep commitment to enabling donors, organizations and entire communities to come together to solve so many important social issues.  We discussed in great detail all of this on the eve of the U.S. election and watched in fascination, along with the rest of the world, about how all of the ‘experts’ got it wrong in predicting the outcome.  Many said aloud, “how could this happen?”   As we met together the morning after the election, and discussed the challenges in our industry, the trends, the data and how to effect change in the industry, I was struck by how this is a remarkable opportunity.

Regardless of your opinion about the outcome of the election, we all agree that there has been a seismic shift – a demand for change!  And, while yes, there is despair and disappointment, there is also a remarkable opportunity ahead of each and every one of us.

Our nation is built upon a foundation of people coming together to effect change – in large and small ways.  Our hearts want to connect – we want to connect as a people, as a community, to be a part of something larger than ourselves.  It is in our nature.  We are stronger together.  We do, in fact, want to take care of one another.  And in our country, WE do this in large and small ways – $375 billion ways annually – to be exact…

So as I sat in the meeting thinking “deep thoughts” with “very smart people” it occurred to me that the opportunity for people to step forward and face their fears about the direction of this country, or even the world, was right here, right now.

The time is now for each and every one of us to examine the people, the causes and the issues that are important to us and to step up, step forward and to connect.   Let’s lead with our hearts, with intention, like Dr. Doty suggests, and effect the changes needed to solve even the most complex social issues, and dare to face our despair and disappointment with our philanthropy; with our love.

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Rogare: The Fundraising Think Tank – Philanthropy Consultant

Rogare: The Fundraising Think Tank - Philanthropy Consultant

Rogare: The Fundraising Think Tank

As a Philanthropy consultant I realized that our modern society, particularly in North America, celebrates independence, forward thinking and innovation with a fervor that is deafening. That’s why the focus of this article is Rogare: The Fundraising Think Tank. Our freedom, independence and self-reliance is acknowledged, recognized and celebrated as the foundation upon which the United States of America was founded. That said, it is also under severe scrutiny particularly relative to how technology and our reliance upon it both keep us connected to one another constantly and how it also isolates us from one another by putting the devices and the channels in place between us that keep us from being in one another’s company; in dialogue with each other, face-to-face, shoulder-to-shoulder in a very important human way. As a  Major gifts fundraising and philanthropy in general is, by definition, a very human endeavor – it is, therefore, in my opinion, in conflict with the trajectory we are on as a larger community of people virtually connected all the time but seldom with one another.

Our current trend has us celebrating our independence and self-reliance at the expense of creating a real sense of community. We need look no further than Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to remember and understand that the most fundamental and basic needs of any person are esteem, friendship and love and security. How will our ‘modern’ sense of community re-define how we relate to one another on a very human level? How will our new paradigm of community effect philanthropy and the third sector as new generations grow up in an environment virtually connected and, perhaps, not truly connected with one another?

rogare the fundraising think tank

Examining the Future From a Philanthropy Consultant

This shift in how we are relating to one another is a remarkable challenge facing fundraising now and in the future. Our ability to be with one another, examine social issues, discuss and understand the problems and challenges we face as a global community is waning as a result of our reliance on the passivity of being virtually connected. The issues we face today and in the future that will be addressed through the third sector and with the support of major gifts will require us to come closer not further apart – to show our strength in numbers. The NGOs and non-profit organizations founded to meet these needs will need to focus more on relationship-based fundraising which may be in conflict with how our constituents have ‘grown up’ in a world of virtual community.

To tackle this problem we must seek to understand more deeply the importance we place on social media, technology and the psychosocial impact that is having on how people interact and relate to one another and understand social issues. We must also equip fundraisers with those tools to connect with donors in a way that seeks to understand them as people and give them a highly personal experience that encourages the more human interactions that elevate esteem, friendship and love and security in an effort to realize the kinds of human interactions that lead to transformational thinking, yes, but also to the deeply personal transformational giving that will be needed to fulfill the missions of the NGOs and non-profits of today and tomorrow. You can read more on Rogare – The Fundraising Think Tank here.

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Reflections from The Marymount Alumna of the Year

Sterrin bird Marymount High School Alumna Of The Year

I was the Marymount Alumna of The Year

It isn’t very often that we are afforded the benefit of time in our busy lives to pause and reflect about our path and the twists and turns that have led us to where we are today with a full understanding of of the impact that people and places have had on our formation. I was lucky enough last weekend to be given that opportunity and was reminded, once again, about the importance of education, access to it and of the importance of giving back.

Last weekend I was honored by my high school, Marymount Los Angeles, as the Alumna of the Year. This was an honor I didn’t fully appreciate at first, but then as I walked the campus of Marymount again after so many years, with my two young children at my side, I realized that the honor was not actually about me and my accomplishments, but that it was actually a reminder about my continued responsibility of being an example for others to follow.

As I explained during my remarks following receiving the award;

“I stand before you as an example of the power of giving a young woman access to an education that her family couldn’t otherwise afford. I am who I am today because of Marymount, yes, but also because some generous soul decided that financial aid and access to education was important enough to create a financial aid program at Marymount. Because someone made a GIFT to make that happen. I stand upon the shoulders of the RSHM and the Marymount women that came before me because of the generosity of others. I only hope I can live up to the example that was set for me and be an example of generosity for others to follow – to be that example to my community and to, of course, my children, Tommy and Mary.

The last time I sat in this chapel was the week before my high school graduation in 1988. At that time, I was not entirely sure what the world had in store for me, how I would turn out, or what would happen to me with such an uncertain future. But as I sat in conversation with Sister Collette that day, she told me I would graduate with honors and move on to college. She also said, in the words of Thoreau, ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.’ Then she said, keep in touch.”

With that in mind, it is important for all of us to remember where we’ve come from, not in a boastful and self-involved way, but in a thoughtful way to inform our path forward. I have spent my life in service to others, striving to build community wherever I go, to be an example for others and in service to philanthropy – which, by definition means ‘love of mankind’ – someone believed enough in ‘mankind’ to make that gift to Marymount without even knowing me, and it changed my life forever. What will you do today to change and touch the life of a person you’ve never met?

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Role of Advancement in Public Higher Education

Role of Advancement in Public Higher Education

Role of Advancement in Public Higher Education

According to the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) in Washington DC, as of 2004, more than 200 universities in the United States had endowments worth more than $200 billion.    The size of those endowments has undoubtedly shifted with the current economic climate and particularly as a result of the initial downturn in the fall of 2008.  That said, it remains important to note that these numbers, when compared to other countries in particular are an indicator of the recognition within this country of the importance of private money in securing our higher education system for future generations.

The Role of Advancement in Private philanthropy in support of public higher education has become increasingly important in the last decade to fill the gap between the rising costs of higher education and limited state funding.   One need look no further than the State of California to understand the severity of how the state budgets impact our institutions of higher learning and our students.   California students are being “priced out” of CSU and UC schools, classes are being cut, it is virtually impossible to gain the credits needed for certain majors or graduation within four years, student loan debt is skyrocketing, financial aid and scholarships are limited, and the community college system is overenrolled and in some cities at the point of collapse.

The importance of the role of University Advancement in this current climate cannot be overstated, particularly for public institutions.   The ability of a public college or university to position itself as worthy of both public and private support has never been more crucial – schools need to be able to respond to the needs of students, faculty and staff in order to remain competitive.   The sound investment in best practices of advancement loosely defined as; marketing, public relations, alumni relations, fundraising and government relations is necessary for the very survival of many of these schools today.

To borrow an expression from our colleagues in academic medicine, the university advancement function within a college or university, public or private, is the ultimate example of trans-disciplinary collaboration.    The disciplines within a complex and fully developed advancement office are diverse and to some degree operate independent of one another, but ultimately, they are each wholly dependent on one another to succeed within the grander vision.   Advancement must be managed at the highest level and completely aligned with the strategic plan of the university and done in close collaboration with colleagues across the institution.

A successful advancement office is constantly working not only on the messages and marketing of today, but looking ahead to what the trends and future may bring.  Advancement professionals are forever benchmarking, evaluating, making course corrections, branding, and writing policy.   All of this constant work is happening while the equally important, yet very different, work of building very personal relationships with hundreds if not thousands of friends and donors is on-going with the hope that when the time is right, or the need is greatest, we will be able to count on them not only for their loyalty, but for their financial support.

The messages, marketing, communications and policy work must be constant, consistent and transparent to all constituencies in order for the dollars to be realized to offset the challenges faced by, particularly, public institutions of higher learning.    The advancement function exists to support the school and its mission of educating young people.   The coordinated leadership of an advancement office is so important in these competitive times.

A few final thoughts; the role and perceived success of a University Advancement office could be summarized with two words:  access and opportunity.

A successful advancement program within public higher education provides ACCESS.

  • Access to all students, regardless of socio-economic standing, the pursuit of a degree through affordable tuition, financial aid and scholarships.
  • Access for the University President, government relations staff and Trustees the resources needed to enable them to advance the strategic vision of the campus, both locally, statewide and nationwide.
  • Access for students to cutting-edge educational opportunities both while they are in the school and after, when they become alumni through a ‘valued alumni network.’
  • Access to coursework, classes and degree programs.

A successful advancement program within public higher education provides OPPORTUNITY.

  • Opportunity to respond to the changing economic climate without interruption of service to students, faculty and staff alike.
  • Opportunity to take advantage of the latest technology both inside and out of the classroom.
  • Opportunity to be nimble enough to provide the newest and most advanced teaching methods to faculty and staff through professional growth.
  • Opportunity for the administration to recruit and retain the best and brightest faculty and staff for the students.
  • Opportunity to dream big.