I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephanie Thomas, President of Susan Ulin Associates. An event management company that provides services to a wide range of not-for-profit agencies in the New York area. The firm has managed hundreds of events including charity balls, tribute dinners and movie premieres. The team under the direction of Stephanie Thomas will undertake responsibility for all event activities including fundraising strategy, site and vendor selection, budget and timeline development, sponsorship and table sales.
Where did you grow up?
Across the Hudson In Montclair, NJ - like my mother and her mother before her.
Where did you go to school?
My younger years were spent in the Montclair public school system. I received my B.A. from New York University and my M.S. in Nonprofit Management from New School University.
How did you get involved in the fundraising world?
I was riding in an elevator on NYU's campus a week or two after graduation when one of my faculty got on. He asked what I was doing on campus and when he heard I hadn't run off to a full-time job, he suggested I meet with a friend who has just contacted him about a prospect research position. When I asked what that meant, he responded "I don't know, but it has research in the title and you're a student; you know how to research. Call her!" Thus began my life as a fundraiser, working as a prospect researcher for the United Negro College Fund's $250 Million Capital Campaign.
How long have you worked at Susan Ulin Associates Ltd? What is your title now?
I joined SUA fifteen years ago with no job title. It began as a three-week stint to help write note cards for an invitation mailing. My current title is President.
How has the non-profit world changed in post recession economy?
Although we all have to work harder, the change has ultimately been for the better. Everyone has had to go back to skills learned in Fundraising 101. It has always been about people and relationships. Now that no one can be taken for granted, I am happy to see a return to personalizing each request and coming up with a unique strategy for each donor.
What are the top two skills you need to succeed in fundraising?
Good with people—know how to read them. Common sense—know how to drill down to the basics of why people give money to various causes. The reasons don’t change –the motivation is the same just the dollar amount changes.
What are the most challenging parts of producing an event?
I like a fast pace and always shifting targets so I enjoy the challenge. I think most people can find it challenging because anything can happen...and usually does...despite your best planning!
I understand volunteerism is a major part of your life? Why?
There are really two reasons: First, I had a lot of energy and got bored easily when I was younger. As a result I used to volunteer and join everything. In high school I think I was involved in about ten clubs and served as an officer in two or three, volunteered as a candy stiper at the local hospital and worked an after school job. As a result of all of these activities, I was always volunteering for something: a hugger at the Special Olympics finish line, working the bake sale to raise money for AFS students, making signs for the Mother's Against Drunk Driving car wash. The list goes on! Second, as I grew older, I realized how my life could have turned out very differently if not for the programs and people who helped my family give me greater access to opportunities along the way. I think it is important to give back and help others achieve their own full potential.
What is your favorite venue besides the Plaza?
I love the Plaza! I like different venues for different reasons. No venue can be all things to all people.
If you could pick three people to sit at your table at a gala who would it be?
Thomas Friedman, Maya Angelou and Robert Downey, Jr.
What do you do for fun?
Pick up new hobbies! Knitting and sky diving.
Who do you most admire?
How can I not say my mom?! Considering I was a surprise from the moment I was born (her doctor expected one baby and she got two!), she was a fabulous mother from that day to this.
What do you love about New York?
Going home to New Jersey!! The energy and the fast pace!
What is your greatest fear?
I don't have many fears because I try to challenge them head-on. For example, I used to be extremely shy so I signed up to participate in a fashion show! When I wanted to combat my fear of heights, I went sky diving; my fear of guns, I took shooting lessons; my fear of being along, I stopped dating for a year and so on. I am still afraid of bugs! And no, I didn't sign up for Fear Factor!
Your biggest success?
Being happy with my life and my approach to life.
Do you have any regrets?
No. Death used to be a fear of mine so to combat it, I realized that you only need to fear it if you would have regrets. As a result, I consciously try to live my life so that I'll never have regrets. I see everything as an opportunity of some sort.
Photo credit: Annalee Van Kleeck