Jacynta Brewton
Regional Advancement Director, Emory University
Jacynta Brewton has a track record of credible experience and proven advancement success at top higher education institutions such as Georgia Tech, Spelman College, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland Baltimore. Currently the regional advancement director for Metro Atlanta at Emory University, Jacynta continues to be an innovative community-builder and top performer.
Also, a transformation coach, Jacynta, has gone from carriage to casket to cancer within four months, and she has the scars to prove it. She equips people to overcome their challenges and no longer be scared even though they are scarred.
Jacynta has successfully partnered with professional associations, colleges, and businesses, including the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), University of Florida, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Spelman College, Peru State College, and Kansas State University.
Jacynta is the 2021 Vice-Chair for AFP Greater Atlanta's National Day of Philanthropy. She is Editor-in-chief and COO of Emerge Women Magazine. Jacynta is also the former National President of the University of Florida's Association of Black Alumni and was Emory University School of Law's first Black director of alumni engagement.
She earned her Bachelor's degree in sociology from Florida Atlantic University. She continued her academic pursuits by earning a Master's degree in organizational leadership from Shorter University and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project management certification from George Washington University.
Jacynta Brewton has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 15 years, and together they raise their two children in Atlanta, Georgia. Jacynta enjoys trying new vegetarian dishes and loves reading, writing, and spending quality time with family and friends.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
My interest in fundraising stems from my desire to know that my lifework will continue after I leave this earth. For me, it's about transforming lives. I was a first-generation college student born to an immigrant mother. The value of education was strongly emphasized in our household. As a fundraiser, I love that I get to be a part of the transformative world of philanthropy.
What is something you wish you had known early on in your fundraising career?
Earlier in my fundraising career, I wish I knew that it was okay to break the mold of how I thought professionalism should look and behave. I used to be so rigid about what 'professional' and 'acceptable' had to look like and sound like. I was even judgmental of others who were not that way. I wish I knew then what I know now - I get the best results when I am being myself.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Every fundraiser should have a sense of humor. It is very easy to take our work too seriously. We sometimes take the fun out of FUNdraising. The reality is that we get to help fund transformative, life-changing projects and people. We get to fundraise for HOPE! Wow! What a blessing! When I need a sure-fire pick-me-up, my favorite go-to is the "Sexual Chocolate" scene from Coming to America. I honestly CANNOT not crack up when I watch that, especially because I used to have a Jheri curl, too! Laughter is good for the soul.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
To me, people are the most inspiring part of the fundraising profession. From donors, families, and students to faculty, community leaders, and private citizens, we interact with people on such personal levels as fundraisers. It's a delicate balance between having the right amount of skill and heart. It is an honor that people allow us to be in their lives in such a special way.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I want to be remembered as a trailblazing fundraiser who was willing to have uncomfortable conversations and take unprecedented action that ensures BIPOC donors at every level are valued and consistently cultivated.