Meet Our Award Winners: Miyoko Brunner

Keys to success (in life): Caring about people and building relationships are undeniably important. But I think learning and experiencing new things are critical to keeping life interesting. And I think that's true in both your personal life and your professional life. There is so much to discover and learn with all the advances in technology; and information is more accessible, extensive and transparent than ever before. WITNESS is a global organization, so I have learned much about different cultures and people around the world. Information and knowledge are really powerful when combined with a passion to make the world a better place.

Keys to success (in fundraising): I appreciate every single donor. People contribute because they want to make a difference, and the fact that they choose a particular organization is a testament to its mission, work and team. Donors are not obligated to give; they choose to give. And when they give, they are really joining in the organization's efforts. So when I communicate with WITNESS' donors, I treat them as part of the team. I listen to their thoughts, both the positive and the negative; I acknowledge their commitment to the cause, and I celebrate the impact that together we are able to generate.

Fundraising accomplishment of which you are most proud: Last year, I helped organize a Spring Fundraising Campaign centered on ending violence against women all over the world. With the efforts of the entire WITNESS organization, the WITNESS board, our matching donors and champions of WITNESS, we raised over $100,000 from nearly 350 individuals all over the world. The campaign utilized online technology, a variety of social network sites and the production of my first-ever fundraising video. I worked extremely hard on this project and not only did I learn a lot, but it surpassed expectations in raising support for WITNESS.