Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Weissbein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello Voyage Houston!
I’m Juliana Weissbein—a nonprofit fundraiser with a deep passion for using data, strategy, and systems to create meaningful social change. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on the intersection of mission-driven work and operational excellence, always guided by a strong commitment to equity, justice, and real impact. I believe in the power of thoughtful, strategic work to move the needle on the issues that matter most.
I began my professional journey in New York City after graduating summa cum laude from Purchase College in 2010, where I double-majored in Sociology and Gender Studies. Living and working in NYC was an unforgettable experience—it gave me the chance to collaborate with some truly inspiring organizations, including Teach For America, GLSEN, and Gloria Steinem’s Ms. Foundation for Women. At each stop along the way, I focused on strengthening development operations, using data to inform strategy, and supporting teams in not just meeting, but exceeding their fundraising goals. During this time, I also had the honor of serving on both the New York City and Global boards of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where I had the opportunity to help shape the future of the fundraising profession on a local and international level. In 2019, AFP recognized me as the Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser of the Year—an award that remains one of the most meaningful milestones in my career.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a major life change and moved to Austin, Texas. It was a shift from the fast pace of New York, but it gave me space to reflect, grow, and continue my work remotely during such an unpredictable time.
Then, in 2023, I relocated again—this time to Houston—where I currently live and work with my partner Caleb and our 14-year-old poodle, Gizmo. I serve as the Associate Director of Development Operations at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. In this role, I work to align strategy with execution, build out scalable systems, and help drive transformational giving. It’s work that constantly challenges and inspires me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to a mission I care so deeply about.
Wherever I go, I am committed to bringing a relentless focus on impact and a belief that smart strategy and strong progressive values can move mountains. I’m here to help mission-driven teams do bold, meaningful work—and do it even better.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Leaving New York City during the pandemic was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It happened so quickly—no real goodbye, no farewell gatherings, no final walk through the neighborhoods that shaped so much of who I am. I packed up my life in a haze of uncertainty and grief, trying to process the loss of normalcy while navigating the immense emotional weight of leaving behind a community I loved. For someone who thrives on connection and collaboration, the sudden distance from my friends, mentors, and professional network felt like losing part of my identity.
Adjusting to remote work also brought its own set of challenges and unexpected gifts. On one hand, I found new flexibility and room to breathe—space to think creatively, protect my energy, and focus deeply without the noise of a daily commute. But I’ve also missed the magic of in-person brainstorming sessions, hallway conversations, and the kind of spontaneous connection that only happens when people share physical space. Building trust and camaraderie through a screen takes more intention, and I’ve had to learn new ways to lead, listen, and show up for others from afar. It’s a constant balancing act, but one that’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to stay rooted—even when everything around me is shifting.
These experiences have deeply shaped how I lead and show up in my work. They’ve taught me that empathy and flexibility aren’t optional in my leadership—they’re essential. I’ve become more intentional in how I communicate, more proactive in creating space for connection, and more attuned to the unseen challenges others might be navigating. Whether I’m building a new system or guiding a team through change, I lead with the understanding that people need to feel seen, supported, and empowered. That mindset, born out of personal struggle and growth, has made me a stronger, more human-centered leader.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What have been some key highlights of your career?
I am committed to bettering the fundraising profession and have had the pleasure of working closely with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A defining moment in my career occurred when they honored me as their 2019 Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser. Shortly thereafter I had the pleasure of serving on both their Global and New York City boards. Being recognized by peers in this way was incredibly humbling, and it reaffirmed my belief in the power of thoughtful, values-driven leadership. On the NYC board, I had the privilege of building a mentorship program from the ground up and creating opportunities for emerging fundraisers to grow their careers with guidance and support. I also hosted events, lectured, and helped shape programming that elevated diverse voices in our field. My time with AFP has been one of deep service, community-building, and advocacy for the future of fundraising.
Earning my Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential is another accomplishment I hold with great pride. It wasn’t just about passing an exam—it was a recognition of years of practical experience, ongoing education, and a deep-rooted commitment to ethical fundraising practices. The process gave me time to reflect on the evolution of my career and pushed me to strengthen the skills I use every day. Being part of the global CFRE community is both an honor and a responsibility—one that reinforces my dedication to excellence, integrity, and continual growth in the field.
Most recently, I launched my blog, julianacfre.com, as a way to give back to the fundraising community that has given me so much. It’s become a space where I share practical tools, honest reflections, and strategic insights designed to support fundraisers at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s breaking down complex topics, offering templates and resources, or simply naming the challenges we all face in this work, my goal is to make the field feel a little more accessible—and a lot more human. Building this platform has been both creatively fulfilling and deeply rewarding, and I’m proud to contribute to a more open, generous, and collaborative fundraising culture.
Finally, can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in a Pennsylvania suburb as a queer kid raised by a single mother shaped so much of who I am today. I learned resilience early—watching my mom work hard to provide for us instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to education and grit. I was always drawn to ideas, to justice, to understanding how the world worked—and how it could be better. Being queer in a more conservative environment made me acutely aware of inequality and pushed me to seek out and build community wherever I could. That early experience of both feeling different and searching for connection shaped me into someone who is deeply progressive, who believes in the power of people coming together, and who’s always thinking about how to make systems more inclusive. I knew from a young age that I wanted to escape to Brooklyn—not just for the energy and creativity, but for the freedom to fully be myself and to grow into the kind of person I always knew I could be.
Today, that journey continues to shape every part of who I am—both personally and professionally. Whether I’m building fundraising strategies, partnering with mission-driven teams, or advocating for equity and inclusion, I carry those early lessons with me. They remind me why this work matters and keep me grounded in a vision for a more just, compassionate world. I’m proud of where I’ve been, energized by where I’m headed, and committed to creating the kind of change that truly makes a difference. Thank you for the warm welcome, Houston!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://julianacfre.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/julianacfre
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/juliana.weissbein
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/juliana-weissbein
