Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives |
Register now for the May 6th Awards Reception!Congratulations to our 2025 Honorees!Nina Abady Award
She is a Richmond native and a graduate of Collegiate School and The University of Virginia (BA - Environmental Sciences). Lynne and her husband Peter Tlusty have two grown children, Meg and Russell Timmons, and two adopted greyhounds. She is a breast cancer survivor and enjoys long walks, Sports from A-Z, reading, making angel artworks, playing the piano, Bible studies and, of course, family time. Rising Star Award
Margaret is on the Board of Directors for the Poe Museum and on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium committee for YMCA of Greater Richmond. Finally, she is a talented fiber artist and works weekends at Center of the Yarniverse in Ashland, VA. Her deepest loves are her wife Kelsey, their dogs Phoebe and Gracie, knitting, and spending time with her loved ones talking and planning how to make a brighter future for all. Innovation in Fundraising Award
Stephanie holds a degree in Business Administration from Wilberforce University and Master of Public Administration at Wright State University. She has over 10 years of experience in investor relations, fundraising, and development. She has also volunteered as a mentor for early-stage fundraising professionals and served on various boards of organizations that focus on economic empowerment and innovation. Stephanie is currently on the board of VAFRE serving as Treasurer. She’s a sought-after national expert and speaker, renowned for her insights on partnerships, community impact, and philanthropy. Stephanie was honored in 2023 as a Money Moves award winner by RichmondHer, recognizing her leadership and impact in philanthropy and community investment. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys exploring the outdoors, attending local art exhibits, and organizing community events. She’s also passionate about travel and enjoys learning about different cultures and perspectives. Leadership in Philanthropy Award
Nadia is currently participating in the Liberatory Coaching Certification Program, which is tailored for BIPOC social justice movement leaders who are committed to developing skills for individual and collective liberation. Nadia offers coaching support to organizational leaders and teams looking to align values and embed a holistic anti-oppression framework into their organizational practices and team culture. She deploys a collaborative, asset-based approach to support and develop people, teams, and strategic projects. She can be reached through her LinkedIn.
As Deputy Director, Nicole is responsible for donor development and retention, special events, programs incorporating Restorative Justice practices, and operations management. Her resilience and leadership stem from her core belief that lived experiences can drive action and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in fundraising. Nonprofit Excellence in Philanthropy Award
Congratulations to all of our honorees! |
Nina Abady AwardThe Nina Abady Award is the most prestigious award given by the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE). It is presented to a fundraising professional who has demonstrated utmost excellence in the field of development. The award signifies to individuals, organizations, and the greater community that the recipient has garnered the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the Commonwealth for professional and ethical service.Rising Star AwardThe Rising Star Award is made annually to a VAFRE member who exhibits excellent potential and who has demonstrated remarkable talents at an early stage in their fund-raising career.Our Other Awards
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Lynne Berkness serves as the Chief Advancement Officer at Liberation Veteran Services. She has been working in nonprofit fundraising for more almost 30 years. Lynne’s previous fundraising roles include VP Philanthropy at Boys & Girls Clubs, Founding Director of Advancement at Cristo Rey Richmond High School, Director of Development at Northstar Academy, and Director of Planned Giving and Stewardship at Collegiate School. Lynne is a past president of Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives and served on the board for seven years. Before her work in nonprofit fundraising, Lynne supported air quality efforts as an Environmental Specialist at Dominion Power. Lynne serves on the Board of the UVA Club of Richmond and is also a member of the Academic Excellence Committee at Cristo Rey.
Margaret Dodson-Cordrey practices ethical fundraising in Richmond, VA, with over 8 years in non-profits focused on empowering women and girls and creating community. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 2017 and worked in her alma mater’s alumni office for 4 years. She moved to YWCA Richmond then Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has been with Girl Scouts for 1 year. Her passion for DEIRJ work is especially evident this year, knowing that advocating for and fundraising to build a better world is essential, now more than ever.
Stephanie Glenn (she/her) is committed to fostering meaningful relationships between investors and entrepreneurs that share a vision of positive social impact and sustainable growth. At RUNWAY, she is passionate about creating pathways for investors to connect with entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries and driving positive change in their communities. With a background in nonprofit development and foundation/corporate partnerships, Stephanie's career has been dedicated to creating strategies that support mission-driven leaders by raising vital funding and resources, supporting high-impact ventures and helping build more thriving communities.
Nadia Gooray (she/her) has worked in wellness spaces, nonprofits, and social justice movements for 20 years as a community builder, nonprofit leader, and now as a coach. What fuels her work is a dedication to building relationships, centering justice, and working alongside others to build the tools for personal and collective healing. In her former roles as the Executive Director of Project Yoga Richmond and Director of Equity and External Affairs at YWCA Richmond, Nadia led initiatives focused on racial and gender justice, community engagement, nonprofit operational growth and management, and strategic planning.
Nicole Jones is a people-first cultivator with a proven record of creating safe spaces and structural change for justice. Her steadfast presence, commitment to self and community love, compassion, and respect show up in her work across the greater Richmond region, particularly in her role as Deputy Director of ART 180.
Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC), a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.