Greater Dallas AFP Emerging Leaders
Watch this page for upcoming events for fundraisers age 35 and under or with 5 years or less experience. Members and non-members welcome!
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The AFP DFW Emerging Leaders Spotlight recognizes rising fundraising professionals who are making a meaningful impact on their organizations and the Dallas philanthropic community. If you know an inspiring emerging leader who deserves to be featured, please email .
This month, we're highlighting Chelsea Zeno of Vogel Alcove. Since joining the organization's Development team last year, Chelsea has excelled in Volunteer and Community Engagement, building meaningful relationships with volunteers and championing Vogel Alcove's mission. Drawing on her previous experience as a leader on Vogel's Family Support team, she brings a unique perspective to fundraising and community engagement. Recently becoming a provisional member of the Junior League of Dallas, Chelsea continues to invest in her professional growth while inspiring others through her generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication to serving children and families.
Q: How did you get started in the fundraising profession, and what led you there?
A: I began my career in education as a teacher with Head Start, where I quickly realized that supporting a nonprofit involved more than teaching. I found myself building community relationships and helping raise resources for the organization, which sparked my interest in fundraising.
From there, I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I focused on volunteer management and developed a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club in my hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. Seeing that partnership continue to grow, and still exist today is incredibly rewarding. When I moved to Dallas, Vogel Alcove felt like the perfect fit because it combined my passion for education with serving children and families. After spending several years supporting parents through education and workforce development programs, I transitioned into development, where I now focus on building relationships that help advance Vogel's mission.
Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I became an AFP member last year after being encouraged by my colleague Susan Read. She spoke highly of AFP and how it helps fundraising professionals grow their careers. Since I didn't study fundraising in school, I saw it as a great opportunity to continue learning from others in the profession.
Q: How has being an AFP member—and participating in AFP affinity groups—benefited your career?
A: AFP has provided valuable opportunities to learn from experienced fundraising professionals and expand my knowledge of the field. Being part of a professional community has helped me continue developing my skills and build relationships with others who are passionate about nonprofit work.
Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or have you at a previous organization) that you think other fundraisers could learn from?
A: One area I'm passionate about is helping organizations recognize the value of volunteer engagement. Volunteers don't just give their time—they can also help generate financial support through corporate volunteer grant programs and other workplace giving initiatives.
Creating meaningful volunteer experiences encourages people to stay involved, deepen their connection to the mission, and often leads to additional support for the organization. Finding ways to turn volunteer hours into financial impact is something I believe more nonprofits should prioritize.
Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
A: One accomplishment I'm especially proud of is creating Vogel Alcove's Professional You program. As one of the founders of the program, I helped develop the curriculum for this 12-week workforce development program, which supports parents who were unemployed or not enrolled in school.
The program helped approximately 50 parents either secure employment or return to school. Vogel later adopted it as a permanent career services program, and it continues to serve families today. Seeing an idea grow into a career pathway program has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the fundraising profession today?
A: There are a lot of different organizations competing for the same dollars, but fundraising isn't about selling—it's about building genuine relationships. While every organization has fundraising goals to meet, it's important not to lose sight of the people behind each gift.
Taking the time to understand a donor's interests, build trust, and create lasting partnerships leads to more sustainable support than focusing only on immediate fundraising goals.
Q: What's one lesson you've learned early in your fundraising career that you wish someone had told you when you started?
A: Every conversation can lead to an opportunity. I learned that it's important to approach each interaction with intention, knowing what you're hoping to accomplish while remaining open to building authentic relationships.
Those conversations often lead to partnerships, mentorship, and future opportunities you may not have expected.
Q: What advice would you give to other emerging leaders in fundraising?
A: Find an organization whose mission truly speaks to you. When you're passionate about the work and genuinely believe in the mission, it's much easier to build authentic relationships and inspire others to give.
Leading with your heart creates stronger connections with donors, volunteers, and the community, and ultimately leads to greater impact.
