“When I originally volunteered to serve on AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada’s Board of Directors and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global) ICON Advisory Committee, I never imagined that attending my favourite conference would become a decision influenced by global events.”

That was the opening to a LinkedIn post I shared just before heading to AFP ICON 2025. Like many others, I wrestled with the complexity of the moment and what it meant to attend a global gathering while so many voices—particularly from my Canadian community—would not be present.

I chose to go, not lightly and not without emotion—but with a clear heart, a listening posture, and a commitment to honour those who could not attend by showing up with intention. I went to continue advocating for Canadian priorities within AFP, to keep important conversations moving forward, and to do my part in creating space for shared learning.

And what I found at ICON was something I will not soon forget.

Welcomed with compassion

From the moment I arrived, I was wrapped in a kind of warmth that is hard to put into words. Colleagues from around the world—some I had known, others I had just met—offered kindness, curiosity, and compassion. Many understood the tension and emotion of this year’s conference and I felt held by a community that made space for both celebration and complexity.

People reached out to say they were glad I was there. They asked how I was feeling. They acknowledged the absence of so many Canadian colleagues and shared that absence with me. That kind of empathy reminded me why I am so proud to be part of AFP. It is more than a network—it is a community that rises together.

To those who made the decision not to attend: I see you. I respect your choice. And, I carried your presence with me throughout the week.

Learning, reflecting, reconnecting

The sessions I attended were rich in actionable insights and practical takeaways—many of which will deeply shape how I approach leadership in the coming months. Here are some of the key lessons I took away:

1. The Art & Science of Neurophilanthropy
Eric Frans’ session offered a powerful reminder that effective fundraising is rooted in understanding how people feel, not just what they think. The biggest takeaway for me was the importance of affirming a donor’s moral identity—who they believe themselves to be—as the true driver of giving. People donate not just because they support a cause, but because it aligns with who they are: generous, compassionate, and community-minded.

This insight reframed donor engagement. Moving forward, I will lead my team to design stewardship strategies that thank donors for who they are, not just for what they gave. By recognizing and reflecting their values, we can build deeper emotional connections, foster long-term loyalty, and create a more meaningful donor experience—one that resonates in both the heart and the brain.

2. Leading Through Chaos and Choosing Growth
One of the most powerful takeaways for me came from the joint session led by Joy McKee and Barbara Tartaglia-Poure. Joy’s words—“leadership means you can see through chaos”—resonated deeply. It reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about holding steady when things feel uncertain, staying clear on your purpose, and helping others find their footing. Barbara reinforced this with the idea that “when you lean into opportunities, all kinds of great things happen.” It was a call to embrace discomfort as a necessary part of growth.

The wisdom of these presenters affirmed that courageous leadership is grounded in clarity, trust, and a willingness to step into the unknown with intention. I left the session recommitted to creating a culture where change is met with calm, risk is supported, and our mission remains the constant guide forward.

3. Catalyst Program: Networking and Unexpected Insights
When I first joined the Catalyst program at ICON, I anticipated that the greatest learnings would come from the formal sessions. What I didn’t expect was the profound impact the people in the room would have on me. The true value of Catalyst wasn’t just in the speakers or content—it was in the conversations and connections with fellow fundraisers.

One of the most impactful moments came through a conversation with Ann Moffitt, ACFRE, at my learning table. Through our discussion, I realized that my journey toward becoming the leader I want to be started long before I consciously recognized it. It began with my commitment to the profession, my dedication to learning, and the many small steps I’ve taken to lead with integrity. Ann’s words made me recognize that leadership isn’t just about achievements—it’s about the quiet growth that happens along the way, often unnoticed by others, and sometimes even by yourself.

This shift in perspective reminded me that leadership development often happens outside of formal sessions and lectures. It happens in the spaces where we connect with others, share our stories, and learn from their experiences. At Catalyst, I learned as much from the people around me as I did from the curriculum.

Carrying it forward

Walking away from ICON this year, I feel a mix of gratitude and responsibility. Gratitude for the chance to be present, and responsibility to carry the insights, relationships, and emotions of the experience forward—especially on behalf of those who could not be there.

I remain committed to serving our sector with humility, compassion, and a collaborative spirit. I am bringing home new tools to continue shaping a culture of philanthropy—one rooted in ethics, empathy, and equity. To everyone who extended a hand, a hug, or a heartfelt conversation—thank you. You made this experience meaningful in ways I will carry with me long after the final session ended.

Marla Smith, CFRE, is the Director of Foundation & Communications at Pathstone Foundation, where she leads fundraising and communications efforts to advance mental health services in Niagara. With over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she is passionate about fostering trust, transparency, and meaningful donor relationships through ethical and strategic fundraising practices. An active sector volunteer, Marla serves on the Board of the AFP Foundation for Canada and is a CFRE Ambassador. She also chairs National Philanthropy Day and Education for AFP Golden Horseshoe, championing professional development and philanthropy across the sector. msmith@pathstone.ca