Ajala Olawale

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Biography

I am Ajala Olawale, a passionate advocate for social impact and nonprofit development, dedicated to advancing organizations’ missions through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and program leadership. I earned my Master of Nonprofit Leadership (MNL) from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice, where I focused on fundraising, nonprofit governance, and designing sustainable programs to drive meaningful change in communities.

Prior to that, I studied philanthropy and nonprofit management at Indiana University – Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, gaining hands-on experience in donor cultivation, grant writing, and campaign management. I have contributed to impactful fundraising campaigns for organizations including the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Kickstarter, where I supported campaign operations, donor relations, and community engagement.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed expertise in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration, enabling me to design and execute initiatives that maximize social impact. I have also led volunteer projects and student-led fundraising events, further strengthening my skills in leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

I am committed to leveraging my skills and experience to support mission-driven organizations, helping them secure resources, build strong community connections, and create sustainable, positive change.

Experience

Fundrasing manager

American Red Cross

January 2020 - April 2024

I managed and supported fundraising initiatives that advanced the American Red Cross mission of disaster relief, public health, and community support. I planned and coordinated fundraising campaigns and events to increase donor engagement and financial contributions from individuals and community partners.

I built and maintained strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders through clear communication, stewardship, and impact reporting. I conducted donor research, tracked contributions, and maintained accurate records using donor management systems.

I collaborated with cross-functional teams to align fundraising strategies with organizational goals and community needs, and I supported outreach efforts by developing compelling messaging and stories that highlighted the Red Cross’s impact and encouraged giving.

Fundraising / Development

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

June 2018 - October 2022

I supported fundraising and development efforts that advanced St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission to ensure families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. I assisted with planning and executing fundraising campaigns, events, and donor engagement initiatives to increase awareness and financial support for pediatric cancer research and treatment.

I helped research prospective donors, track contributions, and maintain accurate donor records using fundraising and data management systems. I supported donor stewardship by assisting with thank-you communications, impact updates, and outreach materials that highlighted the hospital’s lifesaving work.

I collaborated with team members to ensure fundraising activities aligned with organizational goals and strengthened relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Campaign Operations Coordinator

kickstarter

January 2021 - present

I coordinated operational support for crowdfunding campaigns, helping creators successfully plan, launch, and manage projects on the Kickstarter platform. I supported campaign setup, reviewed project requirements, and ensured campaigns followed platform guidelines and best practices.

I tracked campaign performance, maintained accurate records, and assisted with reporting to help identify trends and improve creator outcomes. I collaborated with cross-functional teams, including community, trust & safety, and partnerships, to resolve campaign issues and ensure a positive experience for creators and backers.

I contributed to process improvements and documentation that increased efficiency, transparency, and consistency across campaign operations, while supporting Kickstarter’s mission to empower creative and social-impact projects.

Education

Indiana University – Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

High School

2011 - 2015

I studied at the Indiana University – Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where I gained in-depth knowledge of nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, and philanthropic leadership. I learned to design and manage fundraising campaigns, engage donors, and analyze philanthropic trends to support mission-driven organizations.

Through coursework, internships, and hands-on projects, I developed skills in donor research, grant writing, campaign planning, and data-driven decision-making. I also collaborated with peers and nonprofit partners to understand real-world challenges in advancing social impact and building sustainable fundraising programs.

This experience strengthened my ability to combine strategic thinking with compassionate leadership to drive meaningful change in communities.

University of Pennsylvania – School of Social Policy & Practice

Bachelor's Degree

2015 - 2019

i earned my Master of Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice, where I developed expertise in fundraising, nonprofit governance, and social-impact strategies. I gained hands-on experience designing and managing fundraising campaigns, analyzing donor data, and building sustainable programs for mission-driven organizations.

Through collaborative projects and real-world case studies, I strengthened my skills in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and leadership within the nonprofit sector. This program allowed me to combine analytical thinking with compassionate leadership to advance social impact and support organizations in achieving their mission-driven goals.

Ajala Olawale

Digital fundraising consultant

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