Rising Stars

She describes Brittany as "extremely disciplined and uncompromising in regards to her morals and character," and notes her fearless commitment to ethics, integrity and professionalism, as well as getting the job done and keeping her eye on her goals. Add her dedication to forming genuine relationships with donors and not treating them as "blank checks," and we can't think of better qualities in a Rising Star in fundraising.

Dana Raftas

Major Gifts Officer,

West Chester University Foundation

Dana Raftas is in her fifth year as a major gifts officer at the WCU Foundation. When she was hired, she was given the task of starting multiple programs — but what she wasn't given was a prospect pool to dive into to jump-start her efforts. In two years, according to Meredith A. Sossman, associate executive director of the WCU Foundation, Dana built a major-gifts prospect pool that includes more than 200 qualified donors.

In addition, Dana organized a women's philanthropy program called Women in Leadership & Service (WILS). Within six months the group reached the minimum endowment level ($15,000) for a women's scholarship on campus for nontraditional students. She then led the women to reaching $40,000 within eight months of the beginning of the program. During its second year, Dana expanded the program to a $1 million goal and continues to recruit committee members for that goal. She also added two signature events to the group's yearly mission that include both social and fundraising components to increase the WILS endowment.

"These events have attracted women from all ages and walks of life to further the commitment to women as philanthropists in the greater Philadelphia region," Sossman writes.

We think Dana has shown great vision in thinking beyond individual donors and ensuring the longevity of the WCU Foundation by solidifying a group of like-minded donors to establish and grow a powerful giving circle. She also is a leader in recognizing the potential of committed women philanthropists. It's that kind of thinking that helps secure the future of philanthropy and marks Dana as a true Rising Star in fundraising.