Catalyst Fundraisers Collective
About Us
Rooted Together
About Us
About Us
Catalyst Fundraisers Collective
Join Albuquerque Community Foundation and their fundraising leaders, Denise Nava and Khia Griffis, in partnership with Lynn Trojahn of Thrive Consulting, for an eight-month Collective designed to deliver fundraising education, inspiration, and hands-on action, sponsored by Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation. The Catalyst Fundraisers Collective (the Collective) is designed for emerging development professionals who are committed to creating impact, resiliency and longevity in their fundraising careers.
Members of the Collective are passionate individuals who are committed to being coached for transformational results for their causes and want to grow their private major gift acumen for long-term professional and personal sustainability.
This new community of support connects participants with experienced mentors who are actively engaged in the same challenges. Together, they will cultivate the habits, practices, and mindsets needed to overcome pessimism among staff and board members—and within themselves—while building lasting momentum toward a culture of joyful and engaging fundraising. Curriculum days will be held once a month, and members are required to meet with their mentors monthly as well.
The Collective also emphasizes collaboration through peer coaching and shared problem-solving and creates a trusted network of colleagues facing similar challenges, both personally and professionally.
By the end, each participant will leave with a tailored fundraising roadmap, new skills they have used already and can use into their future fundraising career, and a supportive but get-into-action community to lean on and bolster well beyond the program.
Meet Our Mentees
We are thrilled to introduce the first-ever Catalyst Fundraiser Collective (CFC) Cohort! Our mentees are an inspiring group of emerging development professionals who are driving meaningful impact at their nonprofit organizations:
Meet Our Mentors
We are excited to introduce the mentors for the Catalyst Fundraisers Collective! These accomplished fundraisers bring a wealth of experience and are dedicated to guiding the cohort as they develop their skills and leadership in the social sector:
- Jessie Calero – Senior Development Officer, NM Center on Law and Poverty
- Julia Cusatis – Director of Development, Encuentro
- Nyra Klawer – Director of Development and External Relations, Explora!
- Lisa McCulloch – Consultant
- Sandra Ortsman – Consultant, Sandra Ortsman LLC
- Leslie Sanchez – Director of Business and Development, Dual Language Education New Mexico
- Sarah Rulf - Resource Development Director, Homewise Inc.
About Lynn Trojahn, Thrive Consulting
After 31 years in fundraising, Lynn started a fundraising consultant company in 2016, Thrive Consulting. She has worked with 76 social nonprofit organizations in her home state of New Mexico training more than 1,000 stakeholders to create long-term, sustainable results in how these organizations create resources, recognize their contributors, and thrive in conducting their missions. Of those 76 cause-related organizations, 33 have been capital and endowment campaign work. These organizations have created new and stewarded ongoing contributions leading to $115.25 million more than usually contributed toward their operating budgets.
About the Foundation
Meet Khia, VP of Community Impact & Leadership
Khia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in June 2019 after completing her graduate internship at Con Alma Health Foundation, where she was drawn to the world of grantmaking. Khia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNM and her Master of Social Work from NMHU. Philanthropy & Strategic Grantmaking at Albuquerque Community Foundation have been a welcome application of her passion for improving the lives of others.
Meet Denise Nava Wyrick, VP of Communications & Operations and Interim VP of Development
Native New Mexican and home grown in the small town of Silver City, Denise Nava joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation in 2014. Before entering the nonprofit arena professionally, Denise earned her Bachelor of Arts at New Mexico State University. In 2014, she earned her Master of Public Administration in Human Resources at the University of New Mexico.
Denise is currently the Marketing & Development Senior Director, and in her tenure at the Foundation, she revamped the Student Aid program with one-on-one communication for students and parents as well as promotion of scholarships at local high schools, increased the organization’s social media presence and engagement with the local community, and has enhanced the Foundation’s event calendar to provide more inclusive spaces for community.
Meet Jenifer Garcia, Community Engagement & Development Manager
Jenifer “Jeni” Garcia was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Deeply connected to her community, Jeni brings a background in grassroots organizing and social justice advocacy to her role as Community Engagement and Development Manager. She focuses on building genuine relationships, supporting community-led work, and connecting donor resources with the priorities of local communities.
Jeni earned her BA in International Studies from the University of New Mexico in 2022, where she studied global policy, human rights, and social equity. She has worked with grassroots and community-based organizations at both the local and national levels, supporting work around racial equity, immigrant rights, and mental health advocacy.
Outside of work, Jeni enjoys spending time with her partner and their three dogs. She loves being outdoors and exploring creative outlets like art, dance, and music.
Commitment
Engage in an 8-month collective focused on creative fundraising training, interactive and joyous peer learning and partnerships, and personal and professional growth.
Participate in one almost full-day session each month with interactive and illuminating workshops, practical tools both personal and professional, introductions to central NM’s funders and advocates, and real-world applications in action.
Track and share your progress each month by documenting your successes, challenges, and funds raised to support ongoing and future fundraising success for your organization.
Commit to 1:1 mentorship to deepen learning, receive personalized guidance, strengthen accountability, and celebrate accomplishments.
Application Criteria
- 2–5 years of fundraising experience with a commitment to being a fundraiser and a lengthy career in social profits.
- Deep commitment to New Mexico’s cause related sector and a desire to strengthen local fundraising capacity by being a leader in the career and field of fundraising.
- Currently living and working within the four-county central NM region, ensuring the Collective remains rooted in local community impact.
Application Questions
- Do you have between 2–5 years of professional fundraising experience? If yes, please list the organizations you have worked with and briefly describe your role in each.
- Please describe your commitment to New Mexico’s social profit sector and your desire to be a fundraiser for the future. Why is participating in this Collective is important to your work and your long-term commitment to serving New Mexico communities by making a career as a fundraiser?
- Do you currently live and work in the four-county region (Bernalillo, Torrance, Valencia, or Sandoval)?
Selection Process
Timeline
- Application Opens: Monday, November 3
- Application Closes: Monday, November 17
- Collective Announcement & Notification: Monday, December 1
- Collective Introductions and Meet & Greet: December 9, 5:30 to 6:30pm | Albuquerque Community Foundation, 624 Tijeras Ave NW | 87102
Applications for this cohort have officially closed.
2026 Collective Dates & Logistics
- Agenda: Structured curriculum, hosted lunch with local and national fundraising experts, mentorship training during after lunch, curated curriculum, and one-on-one peer coaching)
- Time: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
- Location: Albuquerque Community Foundation | 624 Tijeras Ave NW 87102
- Collective Meeting Dates (Second Friday of the Month):
- Friday, Feb. 13 (Kick-Off!)
- Friday, March 13
- Friday, April 10
- Friday, May 8
- Friday, June 12
- Friday, July 10
- Friday, August 14
- Friday, September 11
- Graduation/Completion of Program: October 2026
Curriculum Topics by Month
- Month 1 – Building the Foundation – Personal and Professionalism Confidence Practices
- Month 2 – Major Gift and Individual Fundraising Principles
- Month 3 – Stewardship that Transforms Relationships
- Month 4 – Government Funding through Relationship Prism of Contributing
- Month 5 – From Complaint to Breakthrough Board Fundraising Support
- Month 6 – Fundraising Project Management for Sustaining Results
- Month 7 – A Fundraising Plan Built on Joy and Love for Fundraising
- Month 8 – Celebrating for Sustaining Happiness in Fundraising and for Life!
Questions? Contact Denise Nava, Marketing & Development Senior Director, [email protected].
Applications for this cohort have officially closed.
Our Partners
Join Albuquerque Community Foundation and their fundraising leaders, Denise Nava and Khia Griffis, in partnership with Lynn Trojahn of Thrive Consulting, for an eight-month Collective designed to deliver fundraising education, inspiration, and hands-on action, sponsored by Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation. The Catalyst Fundraisers Collective (the Collective) is designed for emerging development professionals who are committed to creating impact, resiliency and longevity in their fundraising careers.
Members of the Collective are passionate individuals who are committed to being coached for transformational results for their causes and want to grow their private major gift acumen for long-term professional and personal sustainability.
This new community of support connects participants with experienced mentors who are actively engaged in the same challenges. Together, they will cultivate the habits, practices, and mindsets needed to overcome pessimism among staff and board members—and within themselves—while building lasting momentum toward a culture of joyful and engaging fundraising. Curriculum days will be held once a month, and members are required to meet with their mentors monthly as well.
The Collective also emphasizes collaboration through peer coaching and shared problem-solving and creates a trusted network of colleagues facing similar challenges, both personally and professionally.
By the end, each participant will leave with a tailored fundraising roadmap, new skills they have used already and can use into their future fundraising career, and a supportive but get-into-action community to lean on and bolster well beyond the program.
Meet Our Mentees
We are thrilled to introduce the Catalyst Fundraiser Collective (CFC) Cohort! Our mentees are an inspiring group of emerging development professionals who are driving meaningful impact at their nonprofit organizations:
Meet Our Mentors
We are excited to introduce the mentors for the Catalyst Fundraisers Collective. These accomplished fundraisers bring a wealth of experience and are dedicated to guiding the cohort as they develop their skills and leadership in the social sector:
- Jessie Calero – Senior Development Officer, NM Center on Law and Poverty
- Julia Cusatis – Director of Development, Encuentro
- Nyra Klawer – Director of Development and External Relations, Explora!
- Lisa McCulloch – Consultant
- Sandra Ortsman – Consultant, Sandra Ortsman LLC
- Leslie Sanchez – Director of Business and Development, Dual Language Education New Mexico
- Sarah Rulf - Resource Development Director, Homewise Inc.
About Lynn Trojahn, Thrive Consulting
After 31 years in fundraising, Lynn started a fundraising consultant company in 2016, Thrive Consulting. She has worked with 76 social nonprofit organizations in her home state of New Mexico training more than 1,000 stakeholders to create long-term, sustainable results in how these organizations create resources, recognize their contributors, and thrive in conducting their missions. Of those 76 cause-related organizations, 33 have been capital and endowment campaign work. These organizations have created new and stewarded ongoing contributions leading to $115.25 million more than usually contributed toward their operating budgets.
About the Foundation
Meet Khia, VP of Community Impact & Leadership
Khia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in June 2019 after completing her graduate internship at Con Alma Health Foundation, where she was drawn to the world of grantmaking. Khia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNM and her Master of Social Work from NMHU. Philanthropy & Strategic Grantmaking at Albuquerque Community Foundation have been a welcome application of her passion for improving the lives of others.
Meet Denise Nava Wyrick, VP of Communications & Operations and Interim VP of Development
Native New Mexican and home grown in the small town of Silver City, Denise Nava joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation in 2014. Before entering the nonprofit arena professionally, Denise earned her Bachelor of Arts at New Mexico State University. In 2014, she earned her Master of Public Administration in Human Resources at the University of New Mexico.
Denise is currently the Marketing & Development Senior Director, and in her tenure at the Foundation, she revamped the Student Aid program with one-on-one communication for students and parents as well as promotion of scholarships at local high schools, increased the organization’s social media presence and engagement with the local community, and has enhanced the Foundation’s event calendar to provide more inclusive spaces for community.
Meet Jenifer Garcia, Community Engagement & Development Manager
Jenifer “Jeni” Garcia was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Deeply connected to her community, Jeni brings a background in grassroots organizing and social justice advocacy to her role as Community Engagement and Development Manager. She focuses on building genuine relationships, supporting community-led work, and connecting donor resources with the priorities of local communities.
Jeni earned her BA in International Studies from the University of New Mexico in 2022, where she studied global policy, human rights, and social equity. She has worked with grassroots and community-based organizations at both the local and national levels, supporting work around racial equity, immigrant rights, and mental health advocacy.
Outside of work, Jeni enjoys spending time with her partner and their three dogs. She loves being outdoors and exploring creative outlets like art, dance, and music.
Commitment
Engage in an 8-month collective focused on creative fundraising training, interactive and joyous peer learning and partnerships, and personal and professional growth.
Participate in one almost full-day session each month with interactive and illuminating workshops, practical tools both personal and professional, introductions to central NM’s funders and advocates, and real-world applications in action.
Track and share your progress each month by documenting your successes, challenges, and funds raised to support ongoing and future fundraising success for your organization.
Commit to 1:1 mentorship to deepen learning, receive personalized guidance, strengthen accountability, and celebrate accomplishments.
Application Criteria
- 2–5 years of fundraising experience with a commitment to being a fundraiser and a lengthy career in social profits.
- Deep commitment to New Mexico’s cause related sector and a desire to strengthen local fundraising capacity by being a leader in the career and field of fundraising.
- Currently living and working within the four-county central NM region, ensuring the Collective remains rooted in local community impact.
Application Questions
- Do you have between 2–5 years of professional fundraising experience? If yes, please list the organizations you have worked with and briefly describe your role in each.
- Please describe your commitment to New Mexico’s Social Profit sector and your desire to be a fundraiser for the future. Why is participating in this Collective is important to your work and your long-term commitment to serving New Mexico communities by making a career as a fundraiser?
- Do you currently live and work in the four-county region (Bernalillo, Torrance, Valencia, or Sandoval)?
Selection Process
Names will be placed in a lottery and chosen by November 20, 2025. Collective members will be contacted via email post selection.
If selected, please save the date for a Meet & Greet with the Foundation, Thrive Consulting, Anderson Foundation and our mentors, hosted at the Foundation’s office on December 9, 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
Timeline
- Application Opens: Monday, November 3
- Application Closes: Monday, November 17
- Collective Announcement & Notification: Monday, December 1
- Collective Introductions and Meet & Greet: December 9, 5:30 to 6:30pm | Albuquerque Community Foundation, 624 Tijeras Ave NW | 87102
Applications for this cohort have officially closed.
2026 Collective Dates & Logistics
- Agenda: Structured curriculum, hosted lunch with local and national fundraising experts, mentorship training during after lunch, curated curriculum, and one-on-one peer coaching)
- Time: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
- Location: Albuquerque Community Foundation | 624 Tijeras Ave NW 87102
- Collective Meeting Dates: Second Friday of the Month
- Friday, Feb. 13 (Kick-Off!)
- Friday, March 13
- Friday, April 10
- Friday, May 8
- Friday, June 12
- Friday, July 10
- Friday, August 14
- Friday, September 11
- Graduation/Completion of Program: October 2026
Curriculum Topics by Month
- Month 1 – Building the Foundation – Personal and Professionalism Confidence Practices
- Month 2 – Major Gift and Individual Fundraising Principles
- Month 3 – Stewardship that Transforms Relationships
- Month 4 – Government Funding through Relationship Prism of Contributing
- Month 5 – From Complaint to Breakthrough Board Fundraising Support
- Month 6 – Fundraising Project Management for Sustaining Results
- Month 7 – A Fundraising Plan Built on Joy and Love for Fundraising
- Month 8 – Celebrating for Sustaining Happiness in Fundraising and for Life!
Questions? Contact Denise Nava, Marketing & Development Senior Director, [email protected].
Applications for this cohort have officially closed.
Our Partners