Marketing to Nonprofit Leadership: Bree Carriglio and FAR | #18

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In this episode, Bree Carriglio shares her journey from creative writing and publishing to leading impactful humanitarian work with the Fund for Armenian Relief. She discusses the importance of authentic communication, the power of mentorship, and the future-focused approach that fuels sustainable development in Armenia.

Key Topics:

• Bree's transition from publishing to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the role of storytelling in fundraising
• The influence of mentorship and how experienced guidance shapes career decisions
• Strategic development initiatives at FAR, including the new ACT college and small business programs
• Balancing emotional engagement with organizational objectives amid humanitarian crises
• The importance of transparency, education, and future orientation in nonprofit marketing
• Navigating cultural differences and building trust within the Armenian diaspora and in Armenia
• How skills from marketing and freelancing inform effective organizational leadership
• Personal insights on balancing passion projects like writing with professional responsibilities
• Addressing challenges of media visibility and recognition for Armenia’s ongoing struggles and successes
• The evolving landscape of philanthropy, emphasizing sustainability and empowering local communities

FAR USA: https://www.farusa.org/

Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com

Email: nick@reroutedpod.com

Instagram: @rerouted_pod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rerouted-podcast/

Timestamps:00:00 - Why FAR is about hope, future, and present resilience
01:13 - Bree’s role at FAR and her background
02:23 - Bree’s college experience and lessons in resource utilization
03:47 - Her first job in publishing and industry expectations
05:02 - Navigating the reality versus romantic notions of a career in books
07:23 - Entry into marketing through real estate and freelancing
08:47 - Lessons from freelancing that benefit organizational leadership
12:05 - Bree’s decision to pursue philanthropy and her connection to Armenian roots
13:33 - How mentorship influenced her career shift
15:05 - Her emotional connection to FAR’s mission and Armenian identity
16:02 - The role of mentorship, especially mid-career pivots
19:04 - Transition from marketing to executive directorship at FAR
20:39 - Using marketing skills to educate and connect within organizational and community contexts
21:14 - Cultural learning curves working in Armenia
22:33 - Managing identity and representation as a half-Armenian
23:15 - The diaspora’s motivation and engagement with FAR’s mission
24:45 - Realizations about philanthropy work versus expectations
26:23 - The importance of transparency and trust in fundraising
27:31 - How marketing enhances transparency and donor trust
29:43 - Highlights of FAR’s new ACT college and ongoing projects
33:01 - The evolution from crisis aid to long-term development since 1988
34:25 - Bree’s ongoing project of writing a novel about trauma and resilience
36:12 - Inspiration behind her novel and its connection to human stories
37:31 - How FAR’s work becomes emotionally impactful and sustains purpose
39:49 - The resilience of Armenian people and lessons from Armenia’s ongoing challenges
44:27 - The significance of focusing on the positive and future-oriented stories
45:25 - The balance between acknowledging tragic history and envisioning hope
46:12 - A pivotal career experience shaping her professional goals
46:57 - Her secret weapon: active listening and understanding others
47:42 - A mentorship advice that changed her perspective
48:05 - Final thoughts: Educate, inspire, and support Armenia’s ongoing story