Denim Diaz became interested in fundraising during her first internship job at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (CADS) where she learned about grant management and compliance. In fact, you might say it was fundraisers that got Denim interested in fundraising, as she was able to live in D.C. during her stent at CADS because of the generosity from donors who paid for her living expenses.

She knew from that time on, she wanted to work in development to help funnel her passions and make the world a better place.

Last summer, Denim benefited from an opportunity to work with the ACLU as an intern in the Special & Major Gifts department. There she helped draft acknowledgment letters and helped respond to questions from donors. She also discovered the importance of data hygiene. But her main responsibilities were in the production process where she gained extensive knowledge of what goes into creating fundraising packages.

Of her time at the ACLU, Denim told us, “I learned more about a sector of development that I knew nothing about before, and truly loved it.”

Having discovered the essential role of the development department in any nonprofit, she is looking forward to a career raising money to improve the lives of others.

In Denim’s words, “ I have had the wonderful opportunity to have had a diverse group of supervisors throughout my recent work experience that have allowed me to envision myself in leadership roles within a nonprofit. I hope to be the same person for other people looking to break into the industry.”

Denim also hopes to make the nonprofit sector more inclusive and welcoming for young people of color. Welcome to the industry, and the Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association Denim. We’re happy to have you.