Day 1

As someone who’s been working among in the nonprofit community for more than 25 years, attending my first Apra conference in Seattle has been both inspiring and humbling. Here are my top three takeaways from an incredible first day:

1. The Power of Volunteerism is REAL

It’s almost unbelievable what’s possible when a group of dedicated volunteers put their mind and effort towards creating an event like this. I am truly grateful for everything the volunteers have done to make this possible. Their hard work is the backbone of this conference. A huge shout out to Jon Garrow for his leadership of the Conference Planning Committee.

2. A Great Audience Makes a Great Presentation

While I’m grateful for the opportunity to present, today made it clear that a good presentation is often more about the audience than the speaker. This community shows up — even at 4:00 p.m. for the last session of the day! They brought the energy and amazing commentary.

3. Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

Nobody has it all figured out. The ability to express genuine vulnerability is the cornerstone of great leadership, and there are so many leaders hiding in plain sight within this community. The people here are well-equipped to lead the next generation. I hope they all have a chance to do what they do best when they return home.

Day 2

Reflecting on day two, the themes of community and learning stood out more than ever. Here are my top takeaways:

1. You’re Never Alone in This Community

I attended this conference solo, and it became clear that no one here is truly alone in our work. The warmth and camaraderie among so many thoughtful peers makes it impossible to feel isolated, be it here in Seattle or when we return home. I was repeatedly reminded of the relationships formed throughout my 25 years in this industry — people I've worked with remotely but hadn't yet met in person, folks I've worked with for decades, and new friends who help raise the bar and push me to do my best work. These folks and their peers here are a testament to the strength of this community.

2. "Be a Learn-it-All, Not a Know-it-All"

This powerful reminder from incoming Apra President Rodger Devine, EdD, during the morning panel struck a chord. Throughout the day, I witnessed presentation after presentation from individuals who faced immense challenges — be it technical, managerial or resource-based. Yet, they never stopped pushing forward, finding innovative ways to serve their institutions and constituents. This community’s resilience and dedication to learning, even in the face of adversity, is nothing short of inspiring.

The connections, the sharing and the relentless spirit of learning have made this experience one to remember!

Editor’s note: Content originally appeared on Michael’s LinkedIn profile here and here; it has been republished with permission.

Michael Brucek
Principal Data Scientist, EverTrue

Michael (Mike) Brucek is the principal data scientist at EverTrue, where he leverages his experience in higher education fundraising to develop innovative solutions for advancement professionals. Brucek has worked at every level of higher education fundraising, starting with early roles in annual giving and consulting, building a mid-level giving program at the University of Minnesota and serving as a major gift officer. While at the University of Minnesota, he completed a master's degree in analytics, which allowed him to pivot into data science. This unique combination of frontline fundraising experience and advanced analytical skills enables Brucek to bring a distinctive perspective to his work, continually advancing the efficacy of fundraising efforts and exploring the boundaries of what is possible