She loves to  discuss making meaningful connections with donors in order to provide more resources to those served in the nonprofit sector. She began  as a participant in TableTalks™ in 2013, and is passionate about creating peer learning environments where people can share resources, ideas, tools while learning  from and supporting  each other – all  while having fun!, Laura believes major gifts are one of the best ways to accelerate an organization’s work.

In her free time, Laura enjoys playing French Horn, spending time with her family, and thinking about social justice.

A for-impact professional for 27 years, Marion is passionate about social justice, community building and lifelong learning. Marion is a Social Worker and IAF trained Community Organizer. In 2002 she earned her fundraising management certificate from the University of Washington, and since then has worked in the development field, first at the YWCA of Seattle, King and Snohomish County and for the past 10 years as the Development Director at the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS). During her tenure at PEPS, she successfully led two ‘Growing Impact Campaigns’; more than doubled the revenue, grew the Development Team and introduced and helped establish and stabilize a Culture of Philanthropy within the organization.

In 2010, Marion registered for her first TableTalks™ session with Janet Boguch. Over the years, connections to and invaluable lessons from her colleagues in the Development and Major Gifts TableTalks™ learning groups  have become an important part of her professional (and personal) development journey. Outside of work, Marion fills her gas tank traveling with her family, re-treating in silence, gathering with friends, organizing anything and everything, hiking and being in nature.

Mia Ellis is an Executive Coach for purpose-driven organizations and leaders across the United States and internationally. She is passionate about helping leaders and organizations unlock potential and amplify impact. Mia holds a BA in Communications from the University of Colorado, Boulder and an Advanced Coaching Certificate from the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara, California. Since 1999, she has provided support to purpose-driven leaders and organizations as a nonprofit Executive Director, board chair, public speaker, outdoor educator, and facilitator. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she lives in Ankeny, Iowa with her husband and three daughters.  

Zanne Garland is the Development Director at Rainforest Action Network. She has more than 20 years of fundraising and major gifts experience and has participated in Table Talks for more than 10 years in person and virtually. Zanne has fundraised in Seattle and Asheville, NC across most sectors – including higher ed, economic development, housing, food security, advocacy, and the environment. She has held nearly every type of development role across organizations ranging in size from 8 to 300 staff with a special focus on major gifts fundraising, management, systems, and mentorship. Over her last 10 years, she’s held leadership level development roles that focus on growing major, board, and leadership level giving.