Profile: Emily Bersin, AFP Passionate Fundraisers

Acquisitions and Web Manager for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)

1. What does success mean to you?
   Success to me is feeling good about the work I do. That's why I'm so drawn to the world of non-profits. Since I work for animals, I'm lucky to feel success whenever I take part in an action or send out an email or reach potential supporters of WSPA through our TV commercial, because I know that I'm making a difference for animals by spreading the word about my organization’s work and getting people to donate..
     
2. What motivates you to do your best work?
   Reading or seeing the stories of animals that our organization has helped to save and knowing I was a part of that - however small my role may be in the grand scheme of things. I also feel energized when I get to meet my international colleagues (from our worldwide offices) and learn from them. Collaborating with people all over the world who are striving to achieve the same goals you are is an amazing feeling.
     
   
3. What attracted you to your current position?
   The chance to finally work in the animal welfare world - something I've wanted to do since I was in high school. I was looking for a job where I could hone my web skills (something I was quickly becoming passionate about) and still be able to "fundraise". My current position was an amalgamation of my original job at WSPA, web specialist, and a new skill I picked up while working here, bringing in new donors (acquisition).
     
4. What was a defining moment in your life?
   When I graduated from college in 2002 and said, "Now what?" I graduated with a Communications/Advertising degree but four years of college courses and three internships taught me that the for profit world and I were not made for each other. During my college career I had five jobs on campus at any given time - so when I graduated I asked myself in what job was I most happy, and it turns out working at my college had given me the most rewarding experiences. It was then that I knew there was no going back - non-profits are the way to go.
     
5. What book are you currently reading?
   Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea. I have kept a list of every book I've read since I started my career in 2002 - so far I'm at 323 books!
     
6. What’s your guilty pleasure?
   Playing video games. I love computer games but most recently discovered my secret passion for rocking out to Guitar Hero on the Wii.
     
7. Are you a morning or night person?
   I'm an early evening person - I feel most energized between 4 to 7pm. Unfortunately I am usually traveling to home on the commuter rail at this time so there's not a lot of ways to release my energy!
   
   
8. Are you a cat person or a dog person?
   Most definitely a cat person. My cat, Snickers, and I have been together since we found her as a stray when she was only a few months old. She'll be 16 this year and is the light of my life.
   
   
9. What is your greatest personal challenge when connecting with new donors??
   Trying to figure out how to explain what WSPA does in a short and informative way. When someone asks me what kinds of animals we help, or programs we run, I always have a hard time verbalizing only a few – we help so many different animals and fight so many forms of cruelty, that it's extremely hard to verbalize all the great things about WSPA in only one breath. I also am quite the talker so that might weigh in as well!
   
   
10. If you won the Megamillions jackpot tomorrow how would you spend it?
    Travel! I want to see the world and volunteer in as many countries as I can (helping animals of course!). I would also make larger donations to my favorite charities - I've secretly always wanted to have my name on a building at my college.
    
    
11. What scares you?
    Snakes!
    
    
12. What’s your favorite beverage?
    Coca-Cola classic although there's never a day that goes by when I don't have a cup of coffee in the morning. I'm definitely a caffeine addict.
    
    
13. What would be your first question to space aliens?
    Would you like to make a monthly donation to the World Society for the Protection of Animals?
    
    
14. What is your passion outside of work?
    Scrapbooking - I started about 3 years ago and now have a whole room in my home dedicated to it! Since my current job is computer-oriented, it's nice to be able to spend time creating art that I can touch and feel.
    
    
15. Is your glass half-full or half-empty and why?
    Half-full - I have always been optimistic about everything. I enjoy finding the happiness/positiveness in every situation and I feel like my outlook has contributed to my overall health and sense of well-being.
    
    
16. If you had a time machine what time period would you go to and why?
    I would love to travel to ancient Egypt - I have always been fascinated by a culture that worships cats - they got it right!
    
    
17. Can you swim?
    Yes - I love to swim as much as possible!
    
    
18. Married? Single? Looking?
    I have been married to my college sweetheart, Jacob, for almost 5 years.
     
19. What's your favorite color?
    Pink or Yellow - I believe they accurately represent my personality!
    
    
20. Who’s the coolest person you know?
    My sister - she's five years younger and is my best friend. While we are very similar (she also works for an animal welfare non-profit), our personalities have some major differences, so I enjoy learning from her point of view. She is one of the best managers I've ever seen - and even though she's younger than me - she can even "manage" her big sis when the situation calls for it!