The Apra Member Spotlight series, guided by the Apra Content Development Committee, shines a light on the many unique individuals that make up our community. With thousands of unique stories to tell, this series offers perspectives into individuals’ prospect development (PD) origin stories, crowning achievements of their careers, predictions for the future of the profession and much more.

In this spotlight, meet Crystal Cabral, assistant research analyst at Caltech, and learn about her heartwarming journey in prospect development (PD).

How long have you been in the PD field?

Officially, three years and some change in prospect management and research.

Why did you join Apra?

I would say that my current role at Caltech was my first introduction to Apra and to the industry. My other colleagues in my department were members of Apra, and they mentioned how many helpful tools, resources and webinars were available on Apra’s website, as well as professional development opportunities offered through networking and attending the annual conference.

Are you a member of an Apra Chapter?

I am a part of Apra's California chapter — also affectionately known as California Advancement Researchers Association (CARA).

What prompted you to join the PD field? What’s your career origin story?

When I reflect on my origin story, I think back to Dr. Seuss’ famous, “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” but in prospect development. Around seven years ago, I had graduated from college and landed my first “adult job” post-undergrad as an administrative assistant in the philanthropy department of a private liberal arts college. It was my introduction to the world of fundraising in its entirety — the front facing fundraisers, stewardship, parent and alumnae engagement, gift processing and donor research/identification. I was able to partner with almost every department, and it helped me realize that I naturally gravitated towards analytics and prospect research. In some funny way, I also felt that my undergrad years majoring in international studies anthropology had prepared me for this role. Luckily, I had a few colleagues in analytics and prospect research who noticed this curiosity, and they shared resources that they thought would help kick-start my education in prospect research (my favorite was a high finance CARA webinar slide deck that I had printed out and made disheveled from rummaging through it so many times). I was also given the opportunity that year to attend the CASE DRIVE conference (my first industry conference) in Seattle to learn more about analytics and industry best practices. I was nervous, excited, anxious and curious — I didn’t know many peers in the industry at this time and I felt I had so much to learn. But above all else, I was intrigued to see where this would lead me. While in Seattle, I visited Pike Place Market before the conference began and found a quiet spot next to the “Market Charms” chain link fence panel that overlooked Elliot Bay to soak in the experience. Little did I know this was where the journey would begin.

Fast forward seven years later, I’m a part of a fantastic team at Caltech where I specialize and continue to refine my craft in prospect research and prospect management. I’ve tried to join all the things: Apra and CARA (Apra’s California chapter); CARA’s mentor program as a mentee (shoutout my awesome CARA mentor!); the CARA Board (I was elected as secretary and currently serve as treasurer); and volunteered with Apra’s 2023-2024 Chapter Leaders KPI Committee.

Apra PD 2024 in Seattle felt full circle for me in regard to my origin story. This time, I had the opportunity to network with new peers, reconnect with inspiring prospect development professionals I had met at previous Apra PD conferences and attended my first Chapter Leadership Summit representing CARA. I also made sure to re-visit the same spot at Pike Place Market next to the “Market Charms” chain link fence panel that overlooked Elliot Bay. I wanted to take a moment of gratitude to soak in the experience and acknowledge what a cool journey it has been. Maybe it was a little serendipitous that I found that same printed slide deck, the CARA high finance webinar, that I loved and cherished so many years ago right before I took this trip for Apra PD in Seattle. Maybe it was also serendipitous that seven years later, I’d attend an industry conference for prospect development and take a moment of gratitude in the same spot my journey started. I like to think that my origin story was impacted and shaped by the wonderful community that is prospect development: the official and unofficial mentors I've met along the way that have taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes; my curiosity to learn and grow; and the moments of self-reflection that both remind me of how far I've come and excitement for where I'll go in prospect development.

What would you say to encourage someone to volunteer with Apra?

I would say just jump in! I think volunteering is a wonderful way to gauge what you would like to learn more about, and there are a variety of committees that you can join. I was previously in Apra’s Chapter Leaders KPI Committee and had the opportunity to work with so many cool PD people. You can also select the amount of time you have available to commit to any of the committees, which is helpful.

What has surprised you the most about the field of prospect development?

Everyone loves to share their knowledge and support you! I think prospect development is one of the few industries I have felt where people genuinely just want to help because we love knowledge, and we love to share that knowledge with other curious minds if it can be helpful.