Amy Modin

Prospect Development Analyst, Common Spirit Health & Apra-MN Board Secretary; Apra - Editorial Advisory Committee for Connections

1. How long have you been an Apra-MN member and what was your first Apra experience?

I have been an Apra-MN member since January 2019. My first experience was a workshop hosted at a humane society. I don't remember the topic, but I remember the swag and the set-up of the room. We were in a square, facing each other. At least 25 or 30 in the room.

2. What do you enjoy most about Apra-MN?

Joining the board was a game changer for me. Taking on the voluntary commitment challenged me to actively become a "part-of; getting to know board members a little more personally, participating in committees, and attending more functions (both in-person and virtually) encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and widen my professional circle, gaining insights and experience in the process.

3. What do you like most about your career?

In my role, I have the pleasure of meeting and developing partnerships with hospital foundations and their gift officers. Thanks to technology, there is a greater comfort level of meeting virtually, and I really like the "meeting of the minds" to brainstorm how to approach prospects, next step to widen the donor pool, or discuss what works and what doesn't, and how my department can assist with new fundraising avenues.

4. Best piece of advice you've received?

I had a manager once say to me "I want you to see the operation the way [he] sees it". I was very upset at this statement - I felt I was being asked to not be me. What it did, though, was open a window in my thought process. I learned to become more observant of other leaders and operations, and to become more open-minded about the fluidity of processes.