Name: Wendy Wilsker
Title & Organization: Managing Partner, Boyden
WID Role: Longtime WID member and past board member
What has kept you a member of WID for all these years? WID is an amazing community of established and rising leaders, experts and thought leaders in philanthropy in Boston. Early in my career the WID programs were an important part of my own professional development. Through WID and the committees I have served on, I met members in similar roles to mine and created a wonderful group of peers for me to turn to with challenges and questions. Today, when I go to WID events, I feel like I am going to a “high school reunion”, seeing so many incredible women I have worked with, worked for and who I have literally “grown up” with in my career.
What would you say to a woman who is on the fence about joining WID? JUST DO IT!!! If you cannot afford the membership or your company cannot pay for it, apply for a scholarship. And once you join – go to programs, any program that fits your schedule. But don’t stop there – join a committee – get involved!
What is one way being a part of WID has changed the way you show up in your life or to work? I often reflect on my own journey into development. I was laid off from a job in marketing when I was 24 years old and decided I wanted to go into fundraising. Someone told me about WID and I joined on a scholarship. I was so nervous going to my first WID event at the Charles Hotel. I remember receiving the WID Membership Directory and literally went from “A to Z” making cold calls. Every single person I reached out returned my call, offered to meet with me and shared their experiences and advice. The generosity and enthusiasm shared with me has stayed with me three decades later. That selfless service to the profession inspired me to “pay it forward”. I will meet with anyone who reaches out to me. I take mentorship seriously and love to meet people exploring careers in development. It humbles me that today, I can be that role model and mentor to the next generation of women in development!
Name: Ellen Frank
Title & Organization: Founding Partner No Small FEAT Consulting LLC
WID Role: Longtime WID member
From 2014 through 2024 Ellen served as chief development officer at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Prior to that, she led the major gifts team at ‘GBH for 15 years. With a business partner, Ellen launched development consulting and planning firm, No Small FEAT Consulting LLC, a year ago in February.
What has kept you a member of WID for all these years?When I moved to Boston in 1996, I was a young fundraiser with a two-year old, four years of development experience and the paper versions of the Boston Globe and the Chronicle of Philanthropy to launch my job search. One kind hiring manager took the time to call me to tell me the job was filled, and then generously suggested I join WID. I’ve been grateful ever since. I believe in supporting any resource that lifts women and advances our careers, whether we personally need it in that moment or not. My engagement has ebbed and flowed over time with life, but my membership rarely wavered. It really matters.
What would you say to a woman who is on the fence about joining WID?
If you or your organization can swing the fee, join. An entire community dedicated to advancing women in our field is worth investing in. Our profession is far from perfect, but it’s miles better than it was, thanks in no small part to groups like WID. You’ll meet future colleagues, mentors, and maybe even your next hire or your next boss. You’ll learn from some of the best fundraisers in the city, and feel inspired by the work happening at organizations across the state.
What is one way being part of WID has changed the way you show up?
That phone call in 1996, and the many women who have guided me since, shaped how I show up for others as a colleague and as a manager. I consider it both a responsibility and a privilege to take every call from someone seeking advice, mentorship, or a foothold in this field. I’ve had a rich and rewarding career, and paying it forward is the least I can do. Would I feel this strongly had I not received that phone call in 1996? I hope so, but I’m not sure.
