Meet Megan Shackle! 3653

Meet Megan Shackle!

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Meet (and friend!) Megan Shackle, a Target Analytics, Raiser's Edge, and NetCommunity user, with Como Friends.

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Meet Megan Shackle!
 

This week's member spotlight shines on Raiser's Edge, NetCommunity, and Target Analytics user, Megan Shackle, with Como Friends.

Megan Shackle's Community Profile

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Tell us about your family (fur babies count!) "I have an amazing husband of almost 10 years and a 6 year old daughter whose wit astounds me daily. We also have a beautiful white cat that we rescued about 8 months ago, who likes to attack our feet any time we are on the move."
 
Where do you live? "Minnesota."

What do you like to do for fun? "Nothing is better than camping and spending time with family. Add in a good book to read, some baking and crafting, and I'm in heaven."
 
What’s a life achievement you are particularly proud of? "My daughter is my biggest achievement. Raising a child is the biggest challenge I think a person can encounter. So far, she is turning out to be exactly the kind of person I think the next generation needs."

What’s one memory that always makes you smile? "I always smile when I think of the annual camping trips my family used to take when I was growing up. All of my best memories happened out in nature without the presence of phones or electrnoics. Instead, there were trails, campfires, s'mores, fishing, and swimming."

What is one interesting fact about yourself most people don't know? "I used to be a pretty decent singer. You'll have to ask the other rush hour drivers if I still am, because the only time I sing now is in my car."

What are three things on your bucket list? "Learn to play the piano, learn to play the guitar, attempt to write a book."

Tell us about your organization: "I work for Como Friends, the non-profit fundraising partner for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. We are one of the only free admission zoo's in the country and we are open 365 days a year. With 2 million annual visitors, we are the second most-visited attraction in Minnesota, second only to the Mall of America. The work that Como Friends does helps keep admission free while also continuing to make improvements to the exhibits and gardens."

What’s a typical day like for you? "I manage the Raiser's Edge database and I would guess that nearly 95% of everything that goes in or comes out of the database is done by me. Every day I process online donations as well as donations that come through the mail. I may have mailing lists or email lists to pull on any given day. I prepare weekly and monthy reports and assist with our bank deposits. Although I have streamlined our processes and procedures for Raiser's Edge, even creating a user manual, I still run regular data integrity query checks and perform duplicate constituent clean up on a regular basis. We have three major events each year and I enter all of the event participant information into RE. Since we are a small organization each of those events is 'all hands on deck' kind of event where we work long hours and can't begin event setup until the facility closes to the public. It's a bit crazy, but I love it."
What’s the best part of your job? "The best part of my job is the wonderful people I work with. Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand. And if I ever get too stressed, I can always take a stroll through our gardens or go visit the animals."

What advice would you give someone starting out in the non-profit field? "Most non-profits tend to be small organizations, so people tend to have a lot of responsibilites with their job. It can get overwhelming. Know your limits and don't hesitate to ask for help. In my experience, people who work for non-profits are some of the best and most helpful people you will encounter."

What do you love about the Blackbaud Community? "I love that it is another source of information and it comes directly from my peers."
Finally, if you were a sandwich, what kind of sandwich would you be? "If I were a sandwich, I would definitely be my daughter's favorite - a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich. It's a bit immature, a bit sweet and a bit nutty."
News ARCHIVED | Member Spotlight 06/28/2017 11:42am EDT

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2 Comments
Jon Nelson Jon Nelson Jul '17
great spotlight! 
Great spotlight. Love your sandwich choice and description Megan. It must be great to be able to stroll through the gardens and visit the animals when work gets stressful!

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