The Apra Scholarship Award is designed to promote professional growth and accessibility to educational programming by granting a free registration to Apra’s Prospect Development Conference for one prospect development professional each year. In this interview, get to know 2024 Apra Scholarship recipient Elizabeth Mills, whose commitment to professional growth and innovation exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award.

How did you find your way into prospect development?

I started my career in non-profit in 2016 working as a program coordinator in a large international education non-profit and transitioned into a role in higher education in 2018. There is such a need in the world for non-profits to bridge the gap between public and private opportunities, now more than ever. As resources (and funding) are becoming more scarce, it is essential that non-profits have strong funding sources and prospects. An opportunity opened in 2022 to join Emory’s prospect research team, and I took up the challenge. Like most people, I fell into prospect development — but I am so glad I am here. This is an amazing profession that is becoming more and more sophisticated (and essential!) as the world becomes more digitized.

This year you attended PD2024 in Seattle. What are the benefits of attending, for you or future scholarship recipients?

Apra’s annual Prospect Development conference is the premier opportunity to stay at the forefront of our field. It brings together innovations, industry leaders and cutting-edge prospecting tools — all in one place. Professionals from every sector of the nonprofit world — higher education, healthcare, arts and culture and beyond — attend, representing organizations both large and small. Whether you're part of a large advancement team or the only prospect development professional in your shop, there’s something for everyone, and the networking opportunities are unparalleled.

One of the greatest benefits of attending is the immediate and long-term value of the sessions. For example, you might learn how a university in Nebraska executed their most successful campaign to date. While this may not directly apply to your current role, it equips you with insights that can enhance your professional toolkit. Imagine being in a future job interview where you're asked about campaign experience — you can confidently share the knowledge and strategies you gained at the conference, demonstrating both your initiative and readiness to contribute.

For future scholarship recipients, attending PD2024 is more than professional development — it’s an investment in your career. It’s a chance to learn, connect and grow in ways that extend far beyond the conference itself. The skills and relationships you build will continue to benefit you and your organization for years to come.

You’re involved with your local Apra chapter, Apra Georgia, as programming and communications director as well as Apra International, serving on the DEIBJA committee in 2024. How has being connected with peers from other institutions affected your professional life?

Getting involved with Apra has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life. Connecting with peers from other institutions has broadened my perspective in ways I couldn’t have achieved on my own. Prospect development can sometimes feel siloed, especially when you're focused on the unique needs of your own organization. Engaging with colleagues from a variety of sectors has exposed me to new approaches, tools and strategies that have elevated my work.

In a field that demands both precision and creativity, it’s easy to feel the weight of apathy or burnout, especially when the challenges seem relentless, or the wins feel few and far between. That’s where a professional community like Apra becomes invaluable. It serves as a reminder that we’re part of something larger, and it rekindles the sense of purpose and passion that brought us into prospect development in the first place. Being surrounded by people who understand the highs and lows of the work helps to reignite energy, foster innovation, and combat the isolation that can sometimes lead to burnout.

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How has being part of Apra benefited your career?

Being part of Apra has been transformative for my career in prospect development. My professional career has spanned over 10 years. In that time, I have seen the non-profit industry change. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly the expectations for new hires—particularly millennials and Gen Z professionals—can escalate. Employers often expect them to come into roles with a full suite of skills, ready to deliver from day one. This pressure can leave early-career professionals feeling isolated, unsure of where to turn for guidance and support.

Apra bridges that gap. It’s not just a professional organization; it’s a community. Through Apra, I’ve found mentors, built a network of peers who share their knowledge generously, and stayed on the cutting edge of industry trends. The emphasis on professional development—whether through conferences, webinars, or chapter leadership opportunities—ensures that members, no matter their experience level, have access to resources that help them grow and succeed.

For me, Apra has been a constant reminder that no one needs to navigate this field alone. It’s a place where asking questions is celebrated and innovation is shared openly. That culture of collaboration and support has been a cornerstone of my success, and I’m committed to paying it forward by mentoring others and advocating for a culture of learning in our profession.

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

Do it! Volunteering with Apra is one of the best decisions you can make for your professional growth and personal fulfillment. I’m so grateful to have found this profession and become part of the Apra community. It’s a space where you can learn, connect, and truly make an impact—not only in your own career but also in the field of prospect development as a whole.

For me, the experience has been transformational, especially as a past recipient of the Apra scholarship award. That opportunity underscored how much Apra values and invests in its members. Volunteering allows you to give back to this incredible community while also sharpening your skills, expanding your network, and contributing to the development of our profession. You’ll gain as much as you give, if not more, and you’ll find a sense of camaraderie and purpose that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Tracey Robertson
Associate Director of Prospect Research, Emory University

Tracey Robertson is an experienced research analyst at Emory University working within their advancement and alumni engagement division. She supports the law school, the business school, and the corporate and foundation relations teams.