Session 6C - RISDiversity | A Community Narratives Project, a Study in the Fine Art of Storytelling

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013
1:20 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

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Description:
RISDiversity | A Community Narratives Project allows faculty, staff and students to inspire others online and through an annual exhibit on campus. The project showcases the creativity of the eclectic individuals who make up the RISD community and is a great example of authentic storytelling. A community project of this type could celebrate donors, those who benefit from philanthropy, or both. Learn how the project came together, how it is perpetuated and how it might be translated for other communities from Candace Baer, VP of Human Resources at RISD, photographer Adam Mastoon and ADRP members Amanda Wright and Anne Manner-McLarty.

Expertise Level: Midlevel (2-5 years)
Shop Size: Suitable for any size shop
Subject Focus: Donor Relations/Communications


Speaker Bio: Candace Baer
Candace has over twenty-five years experience in the field of Human Resources and Organizational Development. Currently as Vice President for Human Resources at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), she serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet, co-chaired the President’s Taskforce on Diversity and Inclusion and serves as a member of the Diversity Steering Committee.  Candace oversees the Human Resources area which is responsible for staff recruitment/retention, employee/labor relations, diversity and inclusion, affirmative action, administration of employee benefit programs, organizational training and development, salary administration, and communication of employment policies and procedures.  She came to RISD in 2007 from Smith College where she was the Associate Director of Human Resources.
 
As a consultant, Candace coaches leaders and facilitates workshops that develop people while providing practical solutions to organizational issues.  Candace holds a B.S. in Education and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Emerson College.  She serves on the National Board of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) and has presented at numerous regional and national conferences.








Speaker Bio: Adam Mastoon
Adam Mastoon is a photographic conceptual artist, author, and educator deeply engaged by the human story. His work utilizes photography and narrative to build understanding and respect for the value of diversity in communities nationwide. Mastoon’s photographs have been exhibited nationally and published internationally. His work expresses his passion for art that can inspire, heal, and help communities know themselves and their individual members in deep and abiding ways.





Speaker Bio: Amanda Wright
Amanda Wright is the Assistant Director of Scholarships & Donor Relations at Rhode Island School of Design and has served in this role since 2007. She is charged with building and managing a college-wide stewardship program including all aspects of donor recognition, acknowledgement and reporting. As the main liaison with the Office of Financial Aid, Amanda is also very involved with the awarding process for donor-named scholarships and relationship building with scholarship students. She has been focusing on providing close support to the gift officers during the solicitation process to educate and provide resources and opportunities to engage donors and future donors with the College. With the recent completion of the College’s first comprehensive Strategic Plan Amanda is increasingly involved in the messaging of new funding priorities, reporting, naming opportunities, events and high-end recognition.

Prior to this role, Amanda started her donor relations career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Division of Development and the Jimmy Fund where she was involved with the Institute's $1 billion capital campaign. Amanda holds a bachelor's degree in both Communications and Creative Writing from Roger Williams University.

Speaker Bio: Anne Manner-McLarty
Anne Manner-McLarty is the president and lead consultant for Heurista, a multi-disciplinary firm dedicated to discovering the authentic stories that drive an organization's mission. This work draws upon Anne's experience and reputation as a thought leader in donor recognition and stewardship program planning. Before establishing her own company, Anne was president of Robin E. Williams Incorporated, and she has been an active participant in ADRP since 2005. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina where she has plenty of opportunities to re-engage her creative spirit and participate in community activities.