First Day Podcast

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Anthony Heaven, Ph.D., professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to discuss the experiences of African American fundraisers working within predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Drawing from his qualitative research, Dr. Heaven shares insights into the challenges, biases, and opportunities that Black fundraisers encounter, from navigating isolation to advocating for diversity and inclusion in their organizations. A key theme of the conversation is the pervasive sense of isolation faced by African American fundraisers. Dr. Heaven discusses how these professionals are often the only Black voices in their teams, bearing the dual burden of representing diversity while navigating covert racism and microaggressions. He also highlights the importance of building strong relationships, including mentors, sponsors, and allies, to overcome these challenges and create pathways for career growth. These