AFP Ask The Experts 2023 Scholarship Recipient: Liyen Chong

Liyen Chong is an artist, community organizer and arts advocate who began her journey in fundraising in 2021. Within the first 6 months of her fundraising career Liyen has had success in securing grant support for her organization. Fundraising combines Liyen’s passion for empowering historically underrepresented communities and her expertise in storytelling. Liyen had a wonderful time connecting and learning as a scholarship recipient this year at Ask The Experts in June. See more below about Liyen’s experience. 

What is one takeaway you had from the conference that impacts your work? 
Trust the process! As reluctant as I was, I'm so glad I participated in Miriam Lopez's [The keynote speaker] exercises. They turned out to be powerful reminders at a time when I needed them. 

After an upsetting conversation that made me doubt my abilities and life choices a few weeks ago, I was filing papers away when I glanced at one of Miriam's worksheets: "Your Why + Values + Future". I had scribbled "I will trust myself" in response to "Set of beliefs/emotions to support the goal." Yikes! It was uncanny that my past self had sent this message into the future. The values I had written were "Authenticity and Diversity/Community". I was already living in alignment with these values. "I will trust myself" was what I needed to hear at that moment, even though I had been skeptical when filling out the worksheet [during the keynote speaker’s session]. I instantly felt relief and a rush of energy, as if my sails had lifted with a gust of wind. I will have to carry that piece of paper around like a magic talisman for a while!

How did the conference impact your career?
Learning about the best practices, trials, and successes colleagues had to share about their work was insightful - it's hard to beat the combination of genuine introspection, experience, and the generosity of the presenters. The "Equitable Practices in Hiring Fundraising Staff" session by Jennifer Wijangco (also my fabulous AFP Global mentor!) and Katie Hicks was particularly helpful as I go about my current job search. I also found "Building a Case for Support through a Collaborative Approach with Philanthropy, Program Leaders, and Finance" by Lindsay Lewis & Avice Chambers, YMCA of Greater Houston, very valuable, and I know I will be reviewing my notes from this session before too long!