Sheila is currently a Prospect Researcher Campaign for SAIT with responsibilities for completing proactive and reactive prospect research. Since starting in May 2022, Sheila has been involved in the identification and initial qualification of new donor prospects and the qualification of existing donor prospects, provided quality research throughout the donor cycle to maximize the value of the contacts and the return to the institution, and utilized research resources to maximize the Institution's fundraising goals and support a greater engagement of the existing development team in cultivation and solicitation activities. In her role at SAIT, she works independently and in within a team environment to produce thoroughly researched, well-written reports by compiling and analyzing information, responding to increasing demand for in-depth analysis.
Sheila commenced her career in Prospect Research in a similar role with the Canadian Red Cross in the fall of 2017. At that time, she was very fortunate to have established an excellent mentorship relationship with Vienna Harrison, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Vienna and Sheila met in December 2017, when Sheila attended a Prospect Research for Canadian Fundraisers event for which Vienna was presenting. Vienna and Sheila have remained in contact to this day and Vienna continues to be available as an invaluable as-needed resource and mentor to Sheila.
While this mentee/mentor relationship started organically (outside of Apra Canada mentorship program), Sheila has now recently (since September 2024) come full circle by applying to Apra Canada’s mentorship program to serve as a mentor. Sheila is now honoured to be sharing her prospect research and pipeline management knowledge and insights with an enthusiastic mentee eager to build on existing expertise and skills in advancement.