AAWP Advisory Council Leadership

Val Cushman, PhD

Valerie Cushman, Ph.D. in higher education, Executive Director of Alumni Inclusive Engagement at W&M and proud leader of the Association for the Advancement of Women’s Philanthropy (AAWP) has proven success growing women’s philanthropy.

With over 30 years of experience in public and private institutions, having served on the cabinet of two universities, she brings a depth of knowledge and experience in fundraising practices that convert high-capacity women into impactful donors. At W&M, she founded the creation and leads the sustained efforts of the Society of 1918, a collective of women philanthropists who contributed 55% of the donated funds to the $1 billion For the Bold campaign and raised a $5.5 million endowment that will forever support the growth of women’s engagement, leadership and philanthropy at W&M. As a consultant, using proven principles and practices she facilitates university advancement teams, inclusive of leadership, development officers and alumnae, as they together discover practices that grow women’s volunteer engagement and leadership that quickly drive growth in philanthropy.

Phone: (540) 462-7778

Email: Val@VCushmanConsulting.com

Webpage: VCushmanConsulting.com

William & mary & v. cushman consulting

Cannie Graham, PhD

Dr. Cannie Graham, MPH, MA/EdS is the founder and principal of Spark Inclusive Philanthropy, a firm dedicated to empowering the engagement and philanthropy of women. With 27 years of diverse experience in higher education, leadership, and volunteerism, as well as her expertise in women’s philanthropy, Cannie is an accomplished consultant, speaker, scholar, writer, and strategic thought partner. A leader in her field, she is relational, intuitive, and authentic and brings a spark to her work that is unmatched. Cannie is committed to changing the face of philanthropy and further engaging women as empowered, philanthropic change agents.

In addition to her consulting practice, Cannie works at James Madison University, serving as both the Associate Vice President of Collaborative Philanthropy & Volunteer Leadership, as well as serves as the Executive Director of Women for Madison. She is a proud and passionate founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Alliance (WPA).

Website: sparkwomensgiving.com

Phone: (540) 578-4155

Email: sparkwomensphilanthropy@gmail.com

Harrisonburg, VA

james madison university  & spark inclusive philanthropy

Sallie-Grace Tate

UCDavis & tate coaching & consulting, llc

Sallie-Grace Tate has over 25 years of experience as a trusted relationship-builder, major gift fundraiser, and program creator. Working for public and private universities and in secondary education, she has extensive knowledge of women as leaders, philanthropists, and volunteers, and is committed to growing women’s philanthropy. Recognizing that women are leading a new era in philanthropy, Sallie-Grace works with organization leaders and volunteers to build initiatives and programs that engage women to use their economic power and position for the greater good. As a certified 21/64 Advisor, Sallie-Grace partners with individuals, couples, and families by guiding conversations and utilizing tools helping to clarify their philanthropic goals.

Sallie-Grace is Principal of Tate Coaching and Consulting and a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Alliance. She also serves as the founding Executive Director for Women & Philanthropy at the University of California at Davis.

Phone: (530) 601-7254

Email: Tate@salliegrace.com

Davis, CA

AAWP Advisory Council Members

The Council serves as a leadership body to help shape and guide AAWP. Council members will play a formative role in setting the vision, priorities, and engagement pathways that will define women’s philanthropy for years to come.

This Council is designed to serve as a strategic thought-partner and ambassador group, supporting the creation of a sustainable, inclusive, and high-impact model for women’s giving and leadership.