Meet Emily Mishler, AF’s New Donor Relations Manager

America’s Future Foundation is excited to welcome our new donor relations manager, Emily Mishler! Born and raised in the rural Midwest of the United States, Emily is a pathologically intrepid optimist with a keen sense of adventure, eye for design, hand in fundraising, entrepreneurial spirit, and heart for philanthropy. In 2015, she graduated with dual-degrees in communication (B.A.) and apparel design (B.S.), with a minor in art & design from Purdue University. In 2018, Emily graduated from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business with a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Philanthropy (M.N.A.). Equally analytical and creative, Emily specializes in business development, creative strategy, strategic planning, branding, and fund development. In order to better fulfill her life’s mission of “be(ing) the change you wish to see in the world,” she works remotely and travels full-time in order to gain a better understanding of the world in which we live.

Get to know more about Emily!

What do you enjoy about your career path so far and why?

I think there can be an expectation of a “linear” career path when first entering the workforce, and admittedly, I had that expectation for myself. In reality, “linear” or “formulaic” couldn’t have been farther from my experience, which has been both a challenge and an incredible joy. My career is becoming a beautiful intersection of sharpened skills, impact-based work, and the innate tendencies, gifts, strengths, and passion-points that have always been “me”! The alignment, genuine impact assisting those who need it most, and gratitude that has accompanied this intersection and journey is what brings me the most joy. I love contributing to meaningful change in attempt to make our world better!

Why did you decide to work with America’s Future Foundation?

AFF’s mission and vision are really inspiring to me, but the team and community I have the privilege of joining was really the selling point. I’m a firm believer in being present wherever you are and never being the smartest one at the table. The intellect, commitment to liberty, and community the team at AF (and those I know are involved in the organization) possess is remarkable and so inspiring — I’m very excited to learn from and with you!

What helpful skills do you hold that people could ask you for advice about?

I absolutely love traveling and exploring (hole-in-the-wall, local restaurants and experiences are my thing!); editing copy/rewording emails tactfully; LOVE brainstorming/Superman sessions; photography; pathological optimism (in case you need a perspective shift or pick-me-up); well-versed in Adobe Creative Suite, CRM, and Google Suite; nutrition and wellness; retired beauty queen (helpful for branding, nice photo poses, community service connections, dressing for your body type); interesting programming ideas/experiences; fundraising; and relationship building and community development.

Book recommendations?

You are a Badass, My Year of Yes

Coffee Order?

Grande Americano with no room, please!

You’ve chosen to live a bit of a nomadic lifestyle, where are your favorite places to travel, and where are you headed next?

The more I travel and learn, the more I realize how large the world truly is and how much I don’t know! It’s incredibly difficult for me to choose “favorite” places because I learn different lessons and have completely different experiences based on the cultures and people I meet. There are a few places I am eager to return to, but it’s a huge world and I’ve only just begun to explore it! I tend to live an active lifestyle, so anywhere with lots of opportunity to explore outdoors typically ranks well in my book. I am writing this note from Santa Monica, California, and will soon be off to Switzerland for a few weeks, London, and a few different locations in the Caribbean!