We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Peoples and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am a risk taker by nature. So over the course of my life and career I’ve learned more about how to mitigate risk. I think as I get older, like most of us, I have a lower tolerance for risk and I also know myself better, which helps with risk mitigation. As a professional fundraiser, I am managing expectations and puting strategy to something that is never really predictable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a non-profi executive, with a BA from Trinity University and a JD from Wake Forest University. When I left law school, I knew that I didn’t want to practice law, but I also wasn’t sure how to make a living doing what I really loved – fighting for underserved communities to have access to basic needs. It was not easy carving a path into non-profit fundraising. I didn’t have the resume, appearance, or experience that non-profit hiring managers were looking for in 2008. Everyone wondered what was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just practice law. I didn’t fit into a nice little box. The change in pay was brutal, but I am greatful that the entry level jobs I took, provided me with amazing hands-on non-profit work experience. There were times I would apply for something outside the industry, and hiring managers would say that my non-profit experience was what lit me up. So in some ways it feels like my career chose me and as long as that keeps happening, I will keep going. I come from a family of black cowboys and cowgirls. It’s had a huge impact on who I am and because of it I have a personal brand that equal parts cowgirl grit and faith.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live on Katy Trail, very near Turtle Creek, so my first requirement of anyone visiting is walking my dog Winston on Katy Trail and getting food in the neighborhood. Some frequent spots in walking distance are, Tequila Social, Harwood Arms, Ascension, and Flower Child – all dog friendly. Depending on the family other activites might include a Stars game, a Rangers game, or a Mav’s game. It’s also always nice to try to catch a rodeo in Ft.Worth or Mesquite. I’m also always encouraging people to visit Kyle Warren, the Winspear, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Broadway Dallas, the Aquarium, or any of Dallas’ amazing museums. And for my friends and family who love to shop, a trip to NorthPark is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout from a professional perspective would go to the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundriaisng Professionals. I am the sitting President and I’ve been a member for 12 of the 15 years I’ve been professionally raising money. AFP provides ethical standards, certification, and invaluable relationship building and networking opportunites. My personal shoutout goes to my given and chosen family, people who have known me since I was a child and have been by my side for every step of my journey.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011431322948&mibextid=ZbWKwL

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apeoples

Image Credits
Alicia Peoples

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