Meet Mara Wolverton! 4795

Meet Mara Wolverton!

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Meet (and friend!) Raiser's Edge and Target Analytics user, Mara Wolverton, with the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Meet Mara Wolverton!
 

This week's member spotlight shines on Raiser's Edge and Target Analytics user, Mara Wolverton, with the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Mara's Community Profile

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Tell us about your family (fur babies count!) "I currently have one fur baby.  His name is Jack and he is 10-ish years old.  He is a Shepherd/Beagle/Shar Pei mix (best guess!)  He is a goofball but is starting to turn into a grumpy old man with the younger pups at the park."

Where do you live? "Chicago, IL."

What do you like to do for fun? "Besides hanging out our local dog park (my dog's social life is very important), I like to go to local street festivals in the summer.  There's never a shortage of them during summer in Chicago.  I also like to try new restaurants (so much easier than cooking!).  And my newfound joy is thrift store shopping."

What’s a life achievement you are particularly proud of? "Oh geez, probably simply the fact that I have survived the very twists and turns of life and made it this far!"
What’s one memory that always makes you smile? "My 30th birthday party.  We went to a circus arts performance, where I was pulled onstage to hold a flower in my mouth while a performer used a bullwhip to snap off the petals.  (I really wanted to have pony rides, but was afraid some of my friends would start a jousting match.)"

What is one interesting fact about yourself most people don't know? "I briefly studied Circus Arts, until an unfortunate juggling injury."
Tell us about your organization: "I work for The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  We support Rotary clubs in their efforts to carry out sustainable service projects throughout the world.  One of our biggest efforts is Polio Eradication. Our projects also train future peacemakers, support clean water, and strengthen local economies."

What’s a typical day like for you? "Is there such a thing?  A typical day involves responding to requests from staff, running quality control measures in the never-ending effort to clean up our data, jumping through a few hoops, and putting out a fire or two."

What’s the best part of your job? "There is always a new challenge."
What advice would you give someone starting out in the non-profit field? "Take a course or workshop or two on the fundamentals of fundraising and/or non-profit management.  Learn how things are SUPPOSED to be done in a perfect world.  Realize that every organization is different.  Some have more dysfunctions than others. Do your research when applying for positions, ask specific questions about the organization during interviews.  Look at their 990's.  Find the place where you really fit."  

What do you love about the Blackbaud Community? "It's a great way to find answers from other users and to know that you are not alone in some of your struggles."
Finally, if you could have any theme song when you walked into a room, what would that song be? "My theme song would be 'Crazy Train'  because it seems like something is always going off the rails when I least expect it."
News ARCHIVED | Member Spotlight 06/27/2018 9:00am EDT

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6 Comments
Pat LaCour Pat LaCour Jul '18
Hi, Mara, it sounds like your life is interesting.  As a long-time Rotarian and supporter of Polio Plus, thanks for doing your job! 
Nice getting to "know" you! I can relate to your comment about the BB Community. So true, all the live long day!
What do you love about the Blackbaud Community? "It's a great way to find answers from other users and to know that you are not alone in some of your struggles. 
Great to learn more about you Mara and more about Rotary too.
Just imaging the path your life would have taken without the unfortunate juggling injury.....
Congratulations on your member spotlight. I enjoyed reading it :)
An unfortunate juggling accident...wow!!  I'm thinking this is a profile first

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