Hi there. I’m Julie Drinkhahn. I’m a wife, mom of three young girls, frequent Peloton-er (ItsMeeeJulie – ride with me!) and last, but not least, I’m a fundraiser. When hearing I have three young girls, people always say, “they must keep you busy.” And when they hear I’m a fundraiser, they say, “I could never ask people for money.” My respective responses are, “1000% yes,” and “I actually don’t ask people for money.”
I love explaining to people that, in my role, I connect them to the impact we create. What I actually do is inspire people to help nonprofits realize the world they wish to see. Want a healthier planet? Support a sustainability org. Want to live in a community where equitable access to opportunity is available to all? Support Goodwill! You get my point.
So how did I get here? Like most, it was a winding road. When I graduated from Penn State University in 2002 (We Are!), I envisioned myself a feature writer for the New York Times. I’ve always loved learning people’s stories and crafting narratives that unfold beautifully on the page. I was – and still am – addicted to that moment in my writing process when everything clicks and the story comes alive.
While I never made it to The Times, my twisty career path led me to something equally fulfilling: nonprofits and fund development. As a professional fundraiser, I still get to meet people and hear their stories. I get to learn about donors, their backstory and motivations. And I get to learn about the people Goodwill serves – their backstory and motivations. I get to share those stories every day through various types of storytelling: on paper, over coffee, or in a presentation. And as a result of deepening connections between community and the people we serve, I get to see transformations take place every day. Donors transform when they give (Studies show generosity makes you happier!) and, of course, Goodwill participants transform as they create their pathway to prosperity. While I might not have a byline in a giant publication, I believe that true callings will surface no matter what.
Throughout my career journey, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by great people. To me, leadership is about developing those around you. That’s how I engage with my own team and how my leader engages with me. I am fortunate to work at an organization that takes seriously the growth of its leadership and wants to ensure anyone managing others has the right tools to do so, and to do it well.
As an emerging leader in my organization and community, it was important for me to get myself out there – especially after years of being behind a screen. That’s why I applied to be a part of EBL. I wanted to build relationships with peers who I didn’t know yet. We are all connected in this community and I hope to build meaningful professional and personal relationships with my fellow EBL-ers so that we can support each other on our journeys.
EBL is a talent development program at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance® designed to enhance the leadership capability of high-potential, diverse professionals who will ultimately create competitive advantage for the Charlotte Region’s workforce and its economy. To learn more about the program and its participants, click here.
