AFP Ask The Experts 2023 Scholarship Recipient: Mandy Boyce

Mandy Boyce, CFRE is focused on making a difference in the world. Mandy currently works for MD Anderson Cancer Center where they are Making Cancer History. AFP Greater Houston Chapter has been a foundation of support for Mandy in her career. Mandy was selected as a scholarship recipient to attend Ask The Experts this past June and is very grateful for all the support AFP Greater Houston Chapter has to support professionals like herself. See more about Mandy’s experience below.

What was your experience at Ask The Experts (ATE)? 
My experience this year was both fulfilling and re-energizing. While helping to coordinate the moving parts of the event and lead the volunteers, I was fulfilled in my mission to give back to the conference and help to create the magic that I first felt as a conference attendee myself. While attending several of the sessions throughout the day, I was re-energized and excited by the positive messages of our many presenters.

What is one takeaway you had from the conference that impacts your work? 
Every time I attend ATE, I always come away with several new ideas to try in the next year. I walk out with a refreshed attitude as I ride the waves of great advice and insight from the keynote speakers. I enjoy the opportunity to meet others in our philanthropic work, making new connections and new friends.

How did the conference impact your career?
The AFP Houston Ask The Experts conference has been a part of my philanthropic career from the VERY beginning. It was the very first conference I ever attended in our field of expertise nearly 15 years ago, and that day lit a fire under me. I finished the day of that ATE conference in love with the profession, passionate about the mission of this work, and determined to grow my experience within it. I have attended nearly every ATE since, even when it went virtual during the pandemic. After a few years of attending, I began volunteering at the ATE events to help out. Then, about three years ago, I began volunteering on the ATE committee. Now, I got the incredible honor to serve the ATE Committee as the Volunteer Chair this year! My career has grown over this time from starting as an energetic Program Coordinator, to working with Volunteers and Boards, to Annual Giving, through to my current role as a passionate Associate Director of Philanthropy. This conference has taught me valuable information that has helped me in every single step and role of my career in philanthropy. There is plenty to take away from ATE for everyone, at every level of their career, and in many roles that we are within philanthropy. ATE is beneficial to everyone!