Apra Greater Houston Annual Conference
Save the Date!
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 United Way of Houston Community Resource Center50 Waugh Dr., Houston, TX 77007
Sessions
Monkey in the Middle: A.I. Tug of War in Fundraising Research
Presented by:
Jennifer Fila
You've seen the debate play out. On one end of the rope: people convinced A.I. will upend everything we know about research and prospect management — for better or worse. On the other end: those equally certain it is the key to unlocking capacity, insight, and impact like we've never had before.
And there you are in the middle — trying to do your job well.
This session is for everyone on that rope. Whether you're skeptical, all-in, or curiously somewhere in between, join Jen Filla for a candid, peer-driven conversation about what it actually looks like to navigate A.I. in fundraising research right now — not in theory, but in practice.
We'll explore where caution is warranted, where opportunity is being left on the table, and how professionals across the spectrum are making decisions they feel good about. No hype. No fear-mongering. Just real talk and practical ideas you can take back to your desk.
About The Speaker
Jennifer Filla is a veteran fundraiser with a focus on prospect research. As CEO of Aspire Research Group LLC, she believes that every development officer deserves a methodical, replicable process for major gift success. That’s why Aspire provides specialized major gift consulting, research services, and training. Jen is co author of “Prospect Research for Fundraisers: The Essential Handbook” as well as numerous other research workbooks, and has served as a volunteer and trustee for a variety of organizations.
Leveling up: Prospect Development as a Pathway to Leadership
Sharise Harrison
This session will explore how hands-on experience in prospect development builds skills that translate directly into leadership roles. It will examine how core prospect development competencies—such as strategic thinking, relationship management, research, collaboration, and decision-making—serve as strong foundations for leadership growth. Attendees will gain insight into how the day-to-day work of prospect development can function as meaningful leadership training and how professionals in the field can leverage those skills to advance into broader leadership positions.
Sharise Harrison (she/her) is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and Prospect Development at Sacramento State University and a Senior Consultant at The Inclusion Firm. Prior to this, she spent nearly 4 years as Senior Director of Prospect Management and Analytics at Santa Clara University. At Santa Clara University, she instituted data-centered DEI prospect development programming as seen in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. She is also the President of Apra International. She has served on the Apra board since 2022. Sharise holds an MA from Georgetown University, a BA from LaSalle University, and a Fundraising Operations Certificate from Rice University.
More Speakers to Be Announced Soon!
