Interviews

Finding and Following Your Passion with Danna Bramlett, CFRE

Danna Bramlett, CFRE is the Director of Development at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. 

The mission of the organization is to champion a collaborative campaign to permanently connect, protect, and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor. 

As the Director of Development, Danna applies her 26 years of non-profit administration experience to raise money through fundraisers, grants, donations, and special events, and to bring attention to the great work the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is doing. 

Working toward an honorable mission and applying her expertise and experience made Danna a perfect person for our Q&A. 

Enjoy!

What excites you most about your new position with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation? 

Conservation and preservation have been big drivers in my career, and I’ve always chosen organizations that make strides in those two areas. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation caught my eye because its mission is achievable. Our statewide Florida Wildlife Corridor already exists and functions, it just needs to be fully protected. It’s not just the flora and fauna that benefit from its protection, it’s good for the economy and there’s a very real human benefit. When I think about the future, I don’t think of just my career. I’m a grandmother now and I want my granddaughter to know and enjoy the nature of Florida I grew up in.

What’s the biggest business lesson you’ve learned so far in your career? 

Non-profits are businesses and need to be run as such. Donors, funders, and partners want to know that I have an entrepreneurial mindset and can demonstrate measured success. People want to be part of organizations that are fiscally sound and are good investments of time and resources. This starts with having and hiring smart people. Every person in an organization should play an important role and bring unique skills to the table. It takes everyone to succeed. 

Fundraising can be difficult. What’s your best piece of advice to share with someone who’s just starting out in a development position? 

Every job has challenges but I love what I do. I am building relationships to positively impact an organization that I believe in and shape the community I live in for the better. Find what you are passionate about and know that by following that passion, you are making a difference. Find trustworthy mentors that deeply understand development. I’ve had several in my career, and they’ve made a tremendous difference by helping me hone and sharpen my skillset.

When you’re not at work, what can you be found doing? 

I enjoy kayaking, canoeing, camping, and four-wheeling. I also spend time working out whether it is Zumba, body combat, roller skating, or lifting weights. I can’t really sit unless I am reading or working. I also have a new granddaughter and I love spending time with her. I can’t wait until she is old enough to camp out in wild Florida with me.


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