Western New Yorker. Human rights advocate. Relationship builder. In this new interview, learn more about our Major Gifts Manager, Abigail Stallworth, and what drew her to GFC.

Abigail, can you tell us about where you’re from and about your background?

I grew up in Rochester, NY but moved to DC in 2009 to attend American University. I never left, so DC is officially home!

After graduating from American University, I knew I wanted to work in nonprofits focused on rights for women and children. I got my first nonprofit development job at Polaris, an anti-human-trafficking nonprofit. Working on the fundraising team exposed me to a world of dedicated donors who were (literally) invested in Polaris’s mission to eradicate modern slavery, and this was incredibly inspiring.

After Polaris, I continued to work in fundraising for several organizations that worked in a variety of fields, from education advocacy to climate change to nuclear and biological security. But I am happy to have found my way back to an organization that is focused on serving and supporting children and youth.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

My family used to go to Maine for summer vacation, where we spent days playing in the ocean and our nights walking along the boardwalk eating ice cream!

What drew you to this line of work, and to GFC?

One of my favorite things about working in fundraising is that I can work for organizations that have wildly different missions. I love learning from my coworkers who are experts in their fields and passionate about what they do. And I love getting to know why donors and funders would choose to support these organizations. I was attracted to GFC because I believe in the transformative power of flexible funding, especially when focused on local organizations that work with children.

What do you think will be the most challenging part of your job? What will be the most satisfying?

There is always a learning curve to get to know an organization’s donors, but this is also the most satisfying part too! I’m excited to be a voice for GFC and connect our donors to the important work that we and our partners are doing around the world.

Why do you believe GFC’s work is important?

When you work in nonprofits for a while, you start to really understand the power of a dollar. The fact that GFC is providing these dollars to organizations that may otherwise struggle to get funding is awe-inspiring. I love that we build up a trusting relationship with our partners so that they have the resources they need to impact the lives of the children and youth they serve.

#FunFacts About Abigail

What was your favorite toy growing up?

I have a very active imagination, so I often amused myself with just a ruler and string: the possibilities were endless!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An Egyptologist!

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Probably chicken hearts in Brazil.

Do you have a pet peeve?

When someone says, “I’m on my way,” but they are still getting ready.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation. I love traveling and seeing the world, but man do I hate the long hours you have to spend getting there!

What is one of your favorite places that you have traveled to?

I visited a friend in Guatemala a few years ago and have been itching to go back ever since. I fell in love with the mountains and volcanoes!