Major and sudden changes in a child’s life make a lasting impact. That was certainly true in my case. My dad’s decision to leave our beautiful, but war-torn country of El Salvador, and immigrate to the United States, set in motion in me, a powerful desire to contribute positively to humanity that has yet to dim in any way.
All I truly remember from my experience as a newcomer in the United States are the smiling faces, and the warm, welcoming arms of my faith community, my neighbors and teachers who believed in me and supported my family… all the way through college, to where I am now.
RCMA is completely dedicated to providing warm and welcoming experiences to thousands of children each year, at a point in their lives when it counts the most. There is just no better way, to ensure a bright future, than by investing in children during their early years, and continuing to support that investment until they are in a position to give back. That’s how our generous donors feel.
Those of us blessed enough to have found our way into the philanthropic sector and have stayed, have seen the powerful transformations that occur when community groups and philanthropic individuals come together. I have my dream job.
Dream jobs are not void of challenges. Like nonprofits across the board, RCMA has been navigating the ever changing new realities that COVID brings. When asked about my interest to serve on the AFP Collier-Lee Board, I didn’t hesitate, like I maybe should have, considering that RCMA is in the midst of multiple capital campaigns and building out our fundraising infrastructure.
But I need help – and think of others like me in fundraising roles at their organizations that need support as we search for our new normal. No one I know is sitting around looking for a new project – we’re all busy finding safe ways to keep our philanthropic partners connected to the amount of good that they are responsible for. That is what the AFP Collier-Lee Chapter is built for, a network of fundraising professionals sharing resources and support for the good of our community. Where busyness can have an isolating effect, through my service on the AFP board, I hope to support efforts to keep fundraising professionals connected, working together to strengthen philanthropy in SW Florida.
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Gloria Luna Moorman of Naples is passionate about children and families, particular those who immigrated to the United States as she did from El Salvador as a child. She has spent more than 20 years working in the non-profit sector, raising funds, distributing grants and coaching grassroots leaders to inspire donations to their organizations. Currently, Gloria is the Director of Development at RCMA, a statewide organization that provides a holistic approach to child care and education to more than 5,500 children each year. She earned a bachelor of science degree in public relations from the University of Texas at Austin and a masters in pastoral ministry from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens. She has also completed many certification courses, including the Institute for Charitable Giving with Jerry Panas as well as Fundraising School through the Community Foundation of Southwest Florida and Nonprofit PLUS. Gloria and her husband, Mark, are raising four delightful children ages 3-15.
