Valerie Johnson, MBA, CFRE, joined Pathways to Housing PA as director of institutional advancement in 2018. Prior to that, Valerie also worked as a fundraiser for Council for Relationships, Valley Youth House and the American Association for Cancer Research. A member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 2012, Valerie now serves on its board of directors and co-chairs the program committee. Valerie studied marketing at Drexel University and is finally starting to come to terms with the fact that she's going to have to stop calling herself a young professional soon.

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In marathons, as in professional life, it helps to have a challenging goal

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Jan. 14, 2020 8:33 am

In marathons, as in professional life, it helps to have a challenging goal

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

Feeling uninspired or unfulfilled at work? Perhaps it’s because you're not working towards a goal that pushes you out of your comfort zone, says columnist Valerie Johnson.

Pro-tip: If your pitch is patronizing, you’re gonna strike out

column

Dec. 10, 2019 7:43 am

Pro-tip: If your pitch is patronizing, you’re gonna strike out

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

Columnist Valerie Johnson has some words for those who discount the expertise of the women professionals they're selling to. And those who have to have the last word.

featured

Nov. 21, 2019 11:50 am

Who are you calling ‘vulnerable’?

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

"Why do so many nonprofits say that their services exist to support vulnerable populations?" asks Valerie Johnson in this month's column. She thinks it is a catch-all phrase that plays on stereotypes.

Hey, nonprofit pros —watch your language

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Oct. 9, 2019 8:09 am

Hey, nonprofit pros —watch your language

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

Your job, as a leader, is to inspire and motivate — not to add to the stigma that your clients face, says columnist Valerie Johnson.

Dear funders, here are 6 things you could do better. Sincerely, your applicants

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Sep. 24, 2019 8:12 am

Dear funders, here are 6 things you could do better. Sincerely, your applicants

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

Some funders — locally and nationally — are making a sincere effort to update their processes, says columnist Valerie Johnson. But, in her experience, they’re in the minority.

#ProTip: Stop saying you want to give back

column

Aug. 13, 2019 1:12 pm

#ProTip: Stop saying you want to give back

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

No cookie for you if you utter that line during an interview, says columnist Valerie Johnson. Here's why.

These 5 aspects make a good workplace — and they all point to leadership

column

Jul. 24, 2019 8:44 am

These 5 aspects make a good workplace — and they all point to leadership

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

Columnist Valerie Johnson says, "It’s true that people leave bosses, not jobs. And often, they’re leaving a boss that didn’t share their values."

How to decide which organization gets your money

column

Jun. 14, 2019 7:34 am

How to decide which organization gets your money

By Valerie Johnson / contributor

Columnist Valerie Johnson outlines how to get "a good read on who is doing good work, who is using donations responsibly, and who is really meeting their mission."