Adriana Higgins, Ed.D., CFRE
Executive Consultant
Committed to the pursuit of excellence, Adriana brings tremendous depth and experience to the changing landscape of fundraising. Resourceful and dedicated, she is a visionary executive with demonstrated achievements directing successful fundraising initiatives across highly influential public, private and international non-profits and higher education organizations, in ever-changing, challenging environments.
Adriana was the first African American to serve as Executive Director/CEO of Susan G. Komen-Houston. In that role, she led and was responsible for the organization’s overall strategic direction and fiscal performance. Under her leadership, the organization experienced 20% year over year growth in fundraising, became a top fundraiser in the affiliated network and became the first affiliate with a donor funded local endowment. Also, while with Susan G. Komen-Houston, Adriana led the implementation of a new CRM for effective moves management, executed the marketing and public relations strategy during crisis, and implemented organizational change from event focused fundraising to individual major gift fundraising. During her tenue, Susan G. Komen-Houston experienced unprecedented benchmarks in fundraising and was recognized nationally and locally by National Philanthropy Day Houston for its accomplishments.
Adriana has held several positions in major gift fundraising, planned giving and higher education leadership and administration and considers herself a visionary builder. As Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the Houston Zoo, Adriana was responsible for implementing the first planned giving program after it became privatized and could no longer depend on city funding. She can assess the need, build strategy and create a plan to execute on the goal. Adriana was named one of Houston’s Top 50 Most Influential Women and she is also a graduate of The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. Adriana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications at Florida State University and an earned Doctorate from the University of Houston. She loves helping non-profits achieve transformational results that will impact generations.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
I was introduced to the fundraising profession while working as a Marketing Specialist for the Department of Defence - Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR). In the role, I was responsible for secure funding from local businesses. Many aren’t aware that MWR is a non-profit agency that provides support to families of deployed soldiers. The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) provides oversight of MWR global programs.
What is something you wish you had known early on in your fundraising career?
Early in my career, I didn’t understand the value of networking and obtaining a mentor/advocate to help navigate the challenges of the profession. Young professionals need to have a consistent mentor, advocate or sponsor to be successful and advance in the profession.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Every successful fundraiser should have P3 - passion, patience, and persistence. Without P3, you cannot succeed as a professional fundraiser. Passion for the cause will keep you going when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Persistence is necessary for continued engagement in spite of rejection. Patience is necessary to cultivate donors while waiting for the right “ask” opportunity.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
I’m inspired by how fundraising provides an opportunity to educate and enlist the help of ordinary people to provide hope, transform lives, and impact generations. Understanding why donors connect with your mission is the story I always look forward to hearing and on which we can build a relationship.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I want to be remembered as someone who demonstrated compassion, integrity, humility, and the ability to be calm in difficult circumstances. I’m still a work in progress.