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Building a Diverse Tech Community

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Insights from Dreamin’ In Color 2024

On June 19, 2024, Attain Partners proudly sponsored the 2024 Dreamin’ In Color conference in New Orleans, LA. This event, which began on Juneteenth, highlighted the holiday’s celebration of freedom and underscored the conference’s mission to empower and uplift Black professionals. Held in a city known for its vibrant Black history and culture, Dreamin’ In Color provided an inspiring backdrop for advancing the careers of Black, Latinx, and Hispanic professionals and people of color within the Salesforce ecosystem.

At Attain Partners, we are steadfast champions for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Allyship (IDEA). We recognize the profound significance of fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to excel and contribute their unique perspectives. Our IDEA Program, endorsed by our Executive Committee and supported by our entire team, elevates the sense of belonging within our organization by embracing diverse experiences and providing safe spaces for all.

We believe that diverse teams inspire innovation and inclusive environments fuel creativity. Sponsoring Dreamin’ In Color is a reflection of our commitment to these principles, walking the walk when it comes to our dedication to supporting and uplifting diverse voices in the tech industry.

Inclusive Environments Fuel Creativity

Dreamin’ In Color 2024 brought together a vibrant community of talented, driven, and inspirational individuals. The conference provided a platform for sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and building connections. This year’s conference was particularly special, kicking off with a lively Second Line parade at the welcome event, which beautifully tied in the culture of New Orleans. Additionally, the inclusion of the Latinx and Hispanic community through Soñando En Color highlighted the event’s growing inclusivity and impact.

The connections and insights gained from Dreamin’ In Color 2024 will continue to influence our work at Attain Partners. We are dedicated to fostering environments where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are not just goals but fundamental principles that drive success. We look forward to furthering our partnerships and initiatives that align with these values and fostering a sense of belonging with our diverse and distributed team.

Dreamin’ In Color Team Reflections

Jenifer Parker
Human Resources and DEIB Professional

Dreamin’ In Color was a wonderful experience. The sessions were spot on, catering to everything from networking to skill development within Salesforce. It was amazing meeting, and reconnecting with, so many talented Black professionals.

The Second Line at the welcome cookout was amazing—as my first time witnessing a second line, it deeply moved me and really highlighted the rich culture of New Orleans. This conference solidified for me that there’s a lot of diverse talent out there, and we need to keep creating spaces like Dreamin’ In Color to connect and grow. The energy was incredible, and I left feeling inspired and even more passionate about our IDEA Program.

Melany Barrett
Strategy Director

The energy at Dreamin’ In Color was incredible. Meeting so many passionate professionals was not just inspiring but also a great reminder of why inclusion and diversity is so important in our industry. The stories and experiences shared were powerful, and I’m excited about the potential collaborations and growth opportunities that came out of this event. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with others and exchange valuable insights.

Kara Simms
Senior Technical Recruiter

Attending Dreamin’ in Color was an incredibly enriching experience that left me deeply inspired. The sense of community and shared passion was remarkable, creating an environment that was extremely motivating.

One of the most impactful takeaways from the conference was the opportunity to meet an exceptional group of talented, driven, and inspirational individuals. The stories and experiences shared at Dreamin’ in Color emphasized the significance of creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued—and the passion and innovation demonstrated by the attendees were testaments to the incredible potential that diversity brings to the tech industry.

I left feeling energized, and more committed than ever to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our industry. Unlocking greater creativity and success is undoubtedly on the horizon and I truly can’t wait to see where the relationships built at Dreamin’ in Color take us!

Diverse Teams Inspire Innovation

One of the most impactful takeaways from the conference was the opportunity to meet an exceptional group of talented, driven, and inspirational individuals. The stories and experiences shared at Dreamin’ in Color emphasized the significance of creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued—and the passion and innovation demonstrated by the attendees were testaments to the incredible potential that diversity brings to the tech industry.

Sponsoring and participating in Dreamin’ In Color 2024 reinforced Attain Partners’ dedication to our IDEA principles. This event has not only inspired our team but has also provided invaluable opportunities for growth and collaboration. We are excited to continue this journey and see the incredible impact of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Attain Partners – Salesforce Experts

Regardless of where your organization is in its Salesforce journey (or if it’s yet to start!), Attain Partners is here to help you achieve your goals and serve your community. Contact our team today to learn how we can help your organization advance its mission by harnessing the power of Salesforce.

To learn more, check out our Salesforce Innovation services, read case studies about our transformative work, and explore blog posts from our Salesforce experts.

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Coming Soon: Marshall University Case Study

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We are currently putting the final touches on the Marshall University Case Study and are excited to share this impactful story. Make sure you receive it as soon as it’s live by filling out the form below.

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2024-07 DIG: Elevate the Student & Staff Experience with Education Cloud Webinar Learn More

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Takeaways from the Future of Research Integrity Conference

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Attain Partners recently attended the Future of Research Integrity Conference at the University of South Alabama. Set amongst a backdrop of large, Spanish-moss-draped oaks and blooming hydrangeas, individuals from all over the country joined to discuss emerging and continued topics ranging from the ethics of research using artificial intelligence to publishing integrity and institutional research infrastructure.

Pictured: John Hedberg, Shacey Temperly

It’s no surprise that compliance has become a central focus for many institutions. Federal research funding has not decreased since 2016, global competition has fueled foreign influence, and the emergence of artificial intelligence has started the beginning of a new chapter in research. Attain Partners’ presence at this event highlights our ongoing commitment to tackling these challenges emerging across the research landscape, positioning us at the forefront of developing solutions to these critical issues.

Navigating AI in Research

Finding solutions has become somewhat easier with more and more users turning to artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, higher education institutions have been challenged by the student population turning to AI to complete assignments, but what happens when AI and research begin to mix?

Dr. Mohammad Hosseini of Northwestern University led a session on “Ethical Implication of Using AI in Research,” tapping into the topic. While noting that AI can be a useful tool for things like idea development, there was also expressed caution when using the software for data requests or training the software for research purposes.

The concept of artificial intelligence is not innovational and often something associated with research, but there seems to be a new level of institutional risk associated with the rapid rise in use and technological advancement of artificial intelligence. Last October, the Biden Administration issued the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence tasking National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with developing standards and principles surrounding AI that will inevitably impact the research landscape.

The Impact of Regulatory Changes

Since 1991, there have been more than 90 impacts to research administration through regulatory changes within the field of research administration, as well as numerous interpretations of those regulations. The sessions presented by John Thomas, Jr.’s, Attorney, Hafemann, Magee & Thomas, made it abundantly clear that these regulations have direct—and potentially severe—consequences for not only the individuals involved with the research, but the institution as well. We all see the exciting new articles citing research misconduct allegations or fines levied against institutions, but to hear the story of someone involved is a different matter.

One of the biggest takeaways was the promotion of institutional risk management at the individual level. From the Principal Investigator who has direct involvement to the IT personnel involved with compliance infrastructure, we all have a role in upholding the laws and regulations that dictate research.

Promoting Channels for Research Misconduct

An additional exit thought was highlighting the need to have the appropriate institutional channels to report issues of non-compliance. Have you put yourself in the shoes of a first-year graduate student conducting research in a prominent lab? It can be an intimidating environment, especially in larger research infrastructures. Ensuring everyone has an avenue to report research misconduct should be a priority for all institutions.

Attain Partners – Research Administration Experts

If your institution is struggling with developing policies around research integrity or is looking ahead to NSPM-33 implementation, Attain Partners can help. Our firm is focused on strategy, technology, and compliance and understands the principles of research integrity and the importance of robust misconduct identification processes. Our assessments identify gaps in existing policies and procedures, offer meaningful recommendations for improvement, and ensure your resulting practices align with best practices and relevant regulations.

Contact us today to learn how our experts can help.

About the Author

Mr. John Hedberg is a Senior Associate with the Research Services based out of Mobile, AL. Through his research administration career, he has handled pre-award, pre-award non-financial, and post award responsibilities. Prior to joining Attain Partners, Mr. Hedberg worked as the Contracts and Grants Mangers for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine and environmental state research consortium, where he managed all the sponsored research activity.  Before his work with the Sea Lab, he worked at Auburn University and the University of South Alabama. At Auburn, Mr. Hedberg focused on proposal preparation and working with departments to initiate the post-award process as well as solve post-award issues. While at the University of South Alabama, he worked in the Dean’s office handling college research operations and finances. Mr. Hedberg also serves as a volunteer for the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) on the Development and Finance Committee.

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Access, Transformation, and Connection in Financial Aid

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Takeaways from the 2024 NASFAA National Conference

Attain Partners had the pleasure of attending the 2024 National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) National Conference in Milwaukee, WI. This conference serves as the largest annual event where financial aid professionals from various institutions come together to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in the field of student financial aid. Featuring various sessions, workshops, and keynote speakers, attendees came away with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

At the 2024 NASFAA National Conference, participants had the opportunity to:

  • Attend sessions about federal financial aid policies and regulations
  • Learn about new tools and technologies for financial aid administration
  • Network with peers and industry experts
  • Participate in professional development workshops
  • Explore innovative solutions to common financial aid challenges

TAKEAWAY 1: We must continue promoting higher education access and supporting students.

Outgoing NASFAA President and CEO Justin Draeger made quite an entrance to deliver opening remarks—on a Harley Davidson. Yes, that’s correct, he zipped down, around, and up to the stage with a roar. During his remarks, Draeger addressed not only the challenges of the past year but also the ongoing difficulties facing the profession, including fluctuating gainful employment regulations, staffing shortages, the pandemic, and notably, FAFSA simplification—he also emphasized how professionals in the field have consistently risen to meet these challenges. Reflecting on his career at NASFAA, Draeger encouraged his colleagues to find their own sense of calm and self-care to continue advancing the mission of promoting access to higher education.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Emmy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, who began with a personal speech that explored her storied career, detailing how journalism has connected her to various communities, and highlighting the importance of using one’s own experience to tell one’s story. Hinojosa’s keynote concluded by recognizing financial aid professionals as crucial to higher education access and urging them to use their roles to prioritize and support students.

TAKEAWAY 2: We are improving and future-proofing our financial aid tools, processes, and teams.

Aside from hot topic sessions like An Overview of Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Reporting Requirements, FAFSA Simplification, and the NASFAA Open Forum, attendees had the opportunity to learn about product and software innovations in the exhibition hall, including the embedded talent for financial aid services we offer at Attain Partners.

TAKEWAY 3: Financial aid professionals are stronger when we work together.

The NASFAA Conference is well-known for fostering a collaborative environment where professionals can share their experiences and learn from one another, ultimately enhancing their ability to support students in achieving their educational goals.

It’s been a tough year for financial aid and many financial aid administrators have experienced numerous challenges from the rollout of the 2024 – 2025 FAFSA, staffing needs, to daily office operations. “Talking with conference participants and listening to their experiences and stories was a key highlight of the conference,” said Jessika Smith, Senior Associate at Attain Partners.

Developing personal connections and shared experiences helped drive the conversations at the Attain Partners booth as we discussed individual challenges and how the Attain Partners team can assist by serving as consultants—these discussions are paramount to providing solutions for financial aid administrators.

Maximizing the Value of the NASFAA National Conference for Every Financial Aid Professional

Attending the NASFAA conference as a higher education professional is more than just a few days away from the office. It’s an invaluable opportunity to ask questions, network, and come together through both good and tough times. Whether you’re a first-time attendee discovering a passion for financial aid, a long-time director seeking the support and knowledge to motivate your staff and stay updated with ever-changing policies, or upper management gaining a deeper understanding of how financial aid impacts all aspects of higher education operations, the benefits of attending the NASFAA National Conference are extensive and far-reaching, regardless of your role.

Attain Partners – Financial Aid Management and Student Support

At Attain Partners, we offer customized financial aid consulting services to a broad range of clients—from small community colleges to large state universities—in all forms of operational restructuring in systems and procedures. The hallmark of our process is our approach, tailored to meet the needs of each client.

Using comprehensive financial aid assessments, we provide schools with a customized action plan to streamline processes and improve efficiencies while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

Contact us today to learn how we can serve your institution.

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Attain Talent: Innovative Recruiting Services

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Aligning Clients with Quality Talent

Are you part of the technology ecosystem looking for great talent? Not only does Attain Partners ensure best-in-class service delivery to our clients through our expert consultants, but we also provide hiring support for nonprofit, education, and technology clients. Explore Attain Talent, where we match skilled, experienced candidates with organizational needs—at some of the market’s most competitive rates.

Led by Jenny Rice, Director of Talent Acquisition at Attain Partners, Attain Talent provides innovative recruiting services, matching quality talent with clients looking to make a positive real-world impact in the nonprofit, education, and technology industries. With extensive experience in both corporate and professional search environments, our high-performance recruiting team has the expertise and agility to successfully attract and place in-demand talent with some of the best direct-hire rates in the industry.

So, what differentiates Attain Talent from other recruiting firms? Hear it directly from the team.

Jenny Rice
Director, Talent Acquisition

As a recruiting leader, I understand the importance of hiring the right talent. I also understand the financial implications of not filling roles quickly enough or having to lean on expensive agencies that eat up your annual budget. Attain Talent is a cost-effective solution that addresses those challenges and helps you meet your hiring goals.

Alexander Nichols
Manager, Talent Acquisition

Attain Talent is a service built upon the experience and success of our dedicated recruiting team. We’ve had phenomenal growth at Attain Partners. Now, we’re supporting the broader community by providing a cost-effective solution for organizations’ direct-hire, contingent, and recruitment process outsourcing needs.

Kara Simms
Senior Professional, Talent Acquisition

Our recruiting team has a mix of agency and corporate recruiting backgrounds, which has allowed us the opportunity to successfully recruit for roles across a wide variety of industries and skill sets. Furthermore, we’re fueled by building and maintaining genuine relationships. Relationships we’ve formed over the years with candidates are built to last, which not only enables us to get in touch with top talent quickly but also opens up a vast network of referrals.

Several factors differentiate Attain Talent. Firstly, our services are super budget-friendly (I’m talking up to 40% less!). This doesn’t detract from the quality we provide, either. Additionally, we take a deep dive into the skill sets we recruit for and prioritize representing quality candidates. Most importantly, we care. We’re real people who genuinely care about helping clients find the right folks for their team, just as much as we care about candidates landing their ideal role. We aren’t commission-based recruiters—we do this because we’re truly passionate about connecting the right people together.

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Are you part of the technology ecosystem looking for great talent?

Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization’s hiring needs.

Learn more about Attain Talent.

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Leveraging the Expertise of Certified Research Administrators to Create Impact

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Team Spotlight: Attain Partners’ Certified Research Administrators

At Attain Partners, our team of research administration experts brings decades of direct experience working in education and a proven track record of serving the nation’s top colleges and universities. With pride, we serve over 70 of the nation’s top 100 research institutions, including 100% of the Ivy League schools, through a comprehensive range of research enterprise services. Further, numerous of our research administration team members serve as Certified Research Administrators.

But what makes a CRA so essential to project success? Hear from some of Team Attain’s CRAs below as they share why they chose to get certified, how they use the knowledge they gained to create impact for our clients, and their advice for passing the CRA exam.

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Kunwal Ahmad, CRA

“I studied but I was still nervous going into the exam, which is unusual for me. It’s like everyone said, ‘You know more than you think you do.’ Yes, there will be some questions that will leave you scratching your head, and others that will make you question whether they were even part of the body of knowledge. But in the end, I’m glad I took it. Having the certification makes me more valuable to my clients.”

Diana Castaldo, MBA, CRA

“Back in 2010, I ‘fell’ into this profession after being exposed to many other areas of healthcare. I truly fell in love with the world of research administration and found my niche. I love working with the PIs, learning about their research, and working with stakeholders of each institution I work with to help them create a better version of themselves for their institution and help them succeed. This credential solidified my many years of experience and knowledge in this profession and was personal goal of mine to obtain. It’s always good to keep the goalpost moving and continue education, which includes obtaining certifications.

“I urge anyone interested in getting their certification to spend the money and take the practice exam first, before studying, as it mimics the actual exam that would be taken. The practice exam will show the areas where someone would need to brush up more on. Get involved in as many of the study groups as you can and put the time into studying for this exam as it covers many different subject areas. I joined several cohorts which were extremely beneficial. These cohorts provided lots of materials to help those sitting for the exam, pass. There are many different flashcards and tests available on Quizlet that people have made. I came out learning things that were not exactly in my day-to-day operations but were useful in helping answer a question that came up on that topic.”

Jeff Derr, ALM, CRA

“I was motivated by several friendly colleagues to challenge myself and obtain the certification, as they had done it themselves. I feel great after obtaining it! I approach my clients and work with more confidence after taking in so much knowledge while preparing for the exam. There’s a feeling that I can approach just about any sponsor or situation now and have the knowledge to problem-solve and address questions. The CRA will hopefully lend more credibility to my name if someone does not know me, and hopefully it makes me more marketable moving forward! If someone is contemplating sitting for the exam, I’d say do it! You have so many people at Attain who will support you, help you study and prepare for the cohort, and cheer you on as you pursue it! They did for me and I, along with them, would love to support you on the journey.”

Bella DiFranzo, MPA, CRA, CFCM

“In my capacity as a Research Administrator, I’ve come to understand that the essence of a project’s success extends beyond the research; it’s deeply rooted in meticulous planning, efficient management, and seamless execution. My role as a Certified Research Administrator involves streamlining administrative and regulatory complexities, enabling researchers to focus on pioneering innovation. This strategy ensures judicious resource utilization, strict adherence to timelines and standards, and leads to smoother execution and impactful outcomes. It underscores the vital role we play in propelling research forward.”

Sarah Milligan, MPA, CRA

“Becoming a Certified Research Administrator was a real confidence boost! Having those three letters in my email signature made me feel like I had more authority when communicating with faculty, staff, and sponsors.”

Gavyn Ryan, MA, CRA

“I decided to get my CRA way back in 2011—wow, time flies by quickly—to add an additional layer of legitimacy to my growing knowledge base and to help with gaining the confidence and respect of my colleagues and faculty. I took advantage of one of the full-day study sessions and found it to be incredibly invaluable. Now that I have been through two recertifications, one piece of advice I will offer is to be super diligent with tracking your recertification activities. Five years seems like a long time away, and it is easy to think one will remember everything, even with keeping emails and such. Although my memory is solid, I was surprised at how many things I forgot when it came time to submit my recertification application the first time. It was a bit frenetic scrambling to collect some things, never mind trying to remember at which conference I presented such and such, so document things as you go. It will save a lot of time and stress.”

Angela Wilcox, CRA

“I highly suggest anyone interested in taking the CRA exam to do so. The CRA exam had been a professional goal of mine for a few years, but I could never find ‘the right time.’ Come Fall 2023, Attain Partners’ first CRA study cohort was planned to take session and I knew it was the right time. I felt extremely supported by leadership and by my colleagues. The study cohort was extremely helpful in navigating what to study via colleague-led presentations, what to anticipate on exam day, how to budget study time, and just plain, good conversation to cool the exam nerves. There are non-Attain based study sessions available, which were helpful to supplement the information provided from Attain Partners’ cohort. I also took the practice exam to see where I stood with each exam section. This helped determine where I should shift my study efforts. Studying and taking the CRA exam was a confidence-boosting experience (since I haven’t taken an exam since college)! 

I’d like to pass on a quote I heard many times prior to taking the exam, ‘Do not be afraid to take the exam, you know more than you think!’”

Susan Wyatt Sedwick, PhD, CRA, CSM

“In my opinion, degrees and certifications demonstrate initiative, perseverance, and drive to be recognized as a professional. One of the tenets of a profession is a licensure or certification examination. The value of the CRA exams should not be underestimated because that is in large part why we can call ourselves research administration ‘professionals.’ When I arrived at UT Austin in 2006, I was the only CRA on campus. We opened up our study group to everyone on campus which helped us create common understandings and better working relationships with our departmental colleagues. That program has resulted in over 120 new CRAs who benefitted from this program. I estimate the programs I was involved in initiating have resulted in over 150 new CRAs since 2002. I am extremely excited that Attain Partners has placed value on the attainment of the CRA as this shows our dedication to professionalism in all we do.”

Read our full interview with Dr. Sedwick.

Attain Partners – Research Administration Experts 

Compliance is critical to your organization’s ability to make an impact. Our team provides world-class expertise in navigating the complex and dynamic regulatory environment, implementing industry best practices, and optimizing performance.  

Learn more about our services here and explore blog posts from our research administration experts here. 

Interested in speaking to one of our CRAs? Contact us today!

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Meet Our Team: Henry Attaway, Higher Education and Nonprofit Advancement Expert

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Henry Attaway discusses the crucial role of Advancement in client success and his reasons for joining Attain Partners

At Attain Partners, we take great pride in fostering a collaborative work environment and a commitment to excellence, aiming to empower organizations by transforming their strategies, technology, and compliance practices​. We have seen time and again the power of Advancement to create lasting change within an organization and propel it forward as it works to achieve its mission.

We are thrilled to welcome Henry Attaway to Team Attain. He specializes in assisting organizations in defining their vision of success, designing and building their desired future state, and guiding their staff through change, with a focus on people, processes, and technology initiatives. In all his work, he is passionate about supporting purpose-driven organizations in achieving their missions and serving their communities.

Dive into our conversation with Henry Attaway below to learn how he leverages his expertise to drive impact for higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Attain Partners (AP): What did you do before joining Attain Partners?

Henry Attaway (HA): Most recently, I was a Director at a management consulting firm. In this role, my responsibilities included managing engagements and supporting transformation initiatives across various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and state and local government. Before working in consulting, I had experience working in higher education and nonprofit Advancement. I started in fundraising as a frontline fundraiser, then moved on to Advancement services, where I served as a business analyst, change manager, and Salesforce functional lead.

AP: What brought you to Attain Partners?

HA: I was drawn to Attain Partners because of the firm’s focus on purpose-driven organizations. Having spent my early career in the public and voluntary sectors, I was thrilled for the opportunity to support these organizations, their staff, and their constituents. Being surrounded by colleagues who share similar passions and experiences only solidified my decision to join Attain Partners.

AP: Which of our seven core values speak to you the most?

HA: Team for Speed. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of being a part of several high-performing teams. These experiences taught me that a team that prioritizes its customers’ success and the well-being of its members can achieve almost anything. As a project manager, I consider fostering a culture of trust and collaboration fundamental to my role. I firmly believe that consulting teams are most successful when we partner with our clients to form a unified team.

AP: What do you like most about the work you do?

HA: I love helping clients overcome their biggest hurdles. Whether implementing a new CRM, formulating a new strategy, or developing new processes, we have the privilege of making our clients’ lives easier so they can stay focused on their missions.

AP: What are the biggest ways you’ve seen Advancement efforts impact organizations?

HA: Advancement plays a crucial role in higher education by enabling the college experience and ensuring better student outcomes. Advancement professionals are responsible for connecting philanthropists with the causes they care about, which results in fewer financial barriers for students, more research funding, and more employment opportunities. With nonprofits, Advancement teams also help to strengthen our communities by funding important initiatives in areas such as healthcare, youth programs, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives.

AP: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

HA: The most challenging part of my job is being the hub for project communication and decisions. This often means I serve as the translator for technical and business teams and balance competing priorities. The key to success in this role is trust. I build trust by ensuring I am up to date on all aspects of the project, understanding my clients’ priorities, offering clear options and alternatives, and providing timely and transparent communication.  

AP: What do you read and watch to keep current?

HA: I keep current by staying in touch with my professional network. Current and former colleagues and clients are a terrific source for best practices and lessons learned. I also love reading. My bookshelf is full of books on strategy, leadership, innovation, communication, and change enablement.

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Attain Partners – Salesforce Experts

No matter if your organization is beginning its Salesforce journey or 10+ years into development, Attain Partners is here to help you achieve your goals. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you advance your mission by harnessing the power of Salesforce.

To learn more, check out our Salesforce Innovation services, read case studies about our transformative work, and explore blog posts from our Salesforce experts. Read our latest Advancement insights here.  

Learn more – Henry Attaway

Henry Attaway is a consultant specializing in transformation and enablement initiatives. Throughout his career, he has supported organizations dedicated to improving their communities, including those involved in performing arts, early childhood, and higher education. He played a key role in the successful four-campus implementation of ascend at the University of Colorado, leading the functional delivery team and formulating the project’s change management strategy. Prior to joining Attain Partners, Henry was a Director at Propeller Consulting, where he led engagements supporting government and education clients. He holds a Master of Science in Management from the University of Colorado and music degrees from Carnegie Mellon and Ohio State University.

Interested in speaking directly with Henry? Fill out this form to be connected!

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Takeaways from Salesforce Education Summit 2024

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Education Summit 2024 – Insights and Reflections from Attain Partners

The Attain Partners team gathered in sunny San Diego, CA, for the higher education event of the year for professionals using Salesforce, Education Summit. The three-day Summit was packed full of insightful sessions, diverse voices, and unique perspectives all united by a common goal: To improve education experiences for the next generation. Attain Partners had the privilege of being a Groundbreaker Sponsor of Education Summit 2024, presenting in three sessions and hosting a meet-and-mingle with other education leaders.

From the importance of agile planning and teamwork to the transformative power of Education Cloud and OmniStudio, and the potential of AI and automation, Education Summit elucidated the innovative strides being made in the higher education community. Read on to hear more from our team about their key takeaways.

Right Plan + Right Team = Agile Adoption and Growth

A recurring theme throughout the Summit was the importance of proper planning, project management, and teamwork in enabling the successful implementation of Education Cloud, Data Cloud, and other Salesforce products. Sessions explored strategies for effective project execution, emphasizing the need for agility and pivotability when necessary as Attain Partners did with Fordham University last year. Thoughtful planning paired with the right team and implementation partner is foundational for seamless transitions and optimal outcomes when adopting or improving any education system.

“One of my favorite sessions was Pivot! From Inboxes to Education Cloud and Beyond. It focused on being agile and knowing when to step back and think through the best course of action for your project. Being able to ‘pivot’ and take a new approach enables us to create the best experience for the students,” said Jessica Simonetti, Senior Consultant at Attain Partners.

Transformations with Education Cloud and OmniStudio

This Summit marked a year since the launch of Salesforce Education Cloud. It was inspiring to see all the improvements institutions have made for students, staff, surrounding communities, and institution operations.

Institution-wide approaches to holistic student support were showcased in many sessions, including Creating Personalized Journeys at Marshall University: Achieving Incremental Transformation with Education Cloud. Delivered by Marshall University’s Cody Hall and Attain Partners’ Doug Barrow, this session demonstrated how Marshall University is revolutionizing the student experience, reducing administrative burden, and fostering a harmonious digital ecosystem while driving measurable and sustainable growth.

Seeing the finished MyMU portal for the first time, Simonetti said, “Their portal really showcased the power behind OmniStudio and how it can be used to create a customized portal for students with all the data they need.”

Marshall University is a testament to the power of Education Cloud and OmniStudio. Attain Partners looks forward to continuing to support Marshall University’s digital transformation as we work together to develop a new IT Service Management Portal; leverage Einstein GPT and CoPilot AI for student self-service; and improve alumni, donor, faculty, and staff support to continue Marshall University’s digital transformation.

OmniStudio: The Next Big Thing

The ability to integrate data from multiple systems into a community or internal page is going to be a big win for Salesforce and its users. “OmniStudio looks to be the next big thing with its ability to easily build components to view data from external systems within an Experience Site or Internal Salesforce page,” shared Christopher Wray, Senior Specialist at Attain Partners.

Integrated with Education Cloud, OmniStudio enables institutions to create, customize, and manage unique student experiences. Attendees showed great interest in discovering how this product is driving innovation in Education Cloud. If you’d like to learn more about OmniStudio and Education Cloud, contact us.

Automation and AI’s Impact on Higher Education

According to Salesforce, 75% of higher education leaders are investing in AI to improve student outcomes. But AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an actionable tool being used alongside other automation tools like MuleSoft.

Building a Data Framework for Enterprise-wide Implementation, shared valuable insights into evolving best practices, knowledge to lay the groundwork for a successful implementation, and actionable insights from real-world data migration and integration success stories. Jason Hunter, Senior Principal and Data Services Lead at Attain Partners and former CIO of the University of Colorado, shared his firsthand experiences with major migrations from Ellucian Advance to Salesforce.

Attain Partners’ Ilya Pinchuk joined Hunter to teach attendees about proven migration and integration tactics and actionable insights for meaningful change with MuleSoft.

“It was a privilege to share the stage and present the data migration and integration design patterns we’ve been implementing at Attain Partners with MuleSoft and Kindsight (formerly UC Innovation) ascend package and Salesforce Ed and Data Cloud,” Pinchuk shared.

“We like to joke that data is our jam and we have fun, so my favorite part of our presentation was a mid-talk swap from stuffy suites to something a bit more fitting for innovation engineers.”

Over the past several years, we’ve seen clients create their own data warehouses, so it’s exciting to see Salesforce work on this aspect and bring in additional features, like MuleSoft and AI/Einstein, to the Data Cloud and Education Cloud solutions. Salesforce provided demonstrations for effectively using AI for Education Cloud, which has the unique ability to help different stakeholders perform their jobs. The potential amount of time saved would be incredibly beneficial to the workforce as they work to meet the needs of their students, faculty, and staff. It will be exciting to see this product mature as it is put through its paces!

Christopher Wray

Senior Specialist, Attain Partners

Strength, Innovation, and Commitment in the Trailblazer Community

Last, but certainly not least, the Trailblazer Community blew us away yet again with its tenacity, vibrancy, and drive. During these few days in San Diego, we had the opportunity to step away from our own implementations and gather with like-minded innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to drive change for their constituents. There was no shortage of learning or networking as long-time colleagues and new architects met to swap stories, share tricks of the trade, and inspire one another. The Summit was more than just a gathering of industry professionals—it was a convergence of passion, expertise, and commitment to driving positive change in education.

Perhaps the best way to sum up Education Summit 2024 is a quote by keynote speaker, Andre Agassi.

“This is the only perfection there is: the perfection of helping others. This is the only thing we can do that has any lasting meaning.”

These words continue to ring true as we return to our work invigorated to build innovative solutions to improve the lives of students, staff, faculty, and communities across the country with Salesforce. We’re ready to create lasting change for others—are you?

Attain Partners – Salesforce Experts

Regardless of where your organization is in its Salesforce journey (or if it’s yet to start!), Attain Partners is here to help you achieve your goals and serve your community. Contact our team today to learn how we can help your organization advance its mission by harnessing the power of Salesforce.

To learn more, check out our Salesforce Innovation services, read case studies about our transformative work, and explore blog posts from our Salesforce experts.

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How to Plan for Successful Advancement CRM Implementation

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Seven Considerations When Transforming Your Enterprise IT Stack

Are you an Advancement technology leader looking to transform your enterprise IT stack? These key considerations could make or break your next big project.

You know Advancement. You know the market, the players, the different options—and you know your team. But what else do you need to work through to maximize the likelihood of success for your Advancement CRM implementation?

As someone who has led, from start to finish, a comprehensive digital transformation in the Salesforce ecosystem at an institution and been part of several other implementations, I found each of these to be crucial to our projects’ ultimate success.

1. Start Change Management Early

As the joke goes, when is the best time to start an annual giving department? Answer: 25 years ago. When’s the second best time to start an annual giving department? Answer: Right now.

Change management is the same. If you haven’t established a culture in your organization that is comfortable with change, now is the time. And for a project like this, it’s not just about your organization writ large. It starts with your Advancement leadership peers. Are they committed and invested in the project’s success? Will they support you when you are in the thick of the project and a competing initiative arises? Who owns the project budget? What ROI do they expect? Is your VP for Development or Advancement bought in? Is your team (i.e., the doers and those that will carry the heaviest load in the project) on board? Is there an excitement around learning new technology?

Answering these questions will be crucial to finding the gaps in your organization and developing your change management strategy. A common thread in the most successful projects: a real investment in change management.

2. Find a Partner

Find a partner, like Attain Partners, UC Innovation’s trusted ascend implementation partner, who understands and executes Advancement-specific implementations and has resources and expertise to help you prepare for your implementation.

Some of the best projects I’ve seen invested early in project readiness (a ‘Phase 0,’ for example). Ready, aim, aim, fire is a plausible approach for a project of this magnitude. As with change management, this starts immediately (preferably well before the project begins). Need help with change management? At Attain Partners, we have dedicated change management experts who can help you navigate through every step of your journey.

3. Engage Your Community

One of the (many) admirable qualities about higher education, and especially within the Advancement community, is that we are open to sharing with each other. We don’t see each other as competitors. The collegiality across organizations is incredible. There is also a growing community of organizations and leaders that have started to make or have already made the transition to a modern CRM platform within the Salesforce ecosystem. Find them and learn from them. There are several ways to do this:

  • Get referrals from partners: Implementation partners, ISVs, and vendors are often willing (with permission) to share peer shops that are making or have already made the same journey.
  • Get on the road
    • Attend conferences
    • Do peer site visits
      • During the selection process at my previous institution, we visited several universities to learn from their Advancement shops and hear their firsthand experiences of their projects.
  • Listen to webinars: If you have a limited travel budget, there are many online resources from Salesforce, CASE, and aasp where you can learn more about the Advancement technology landscape and best practices.

4. Consider the Total Scope of Your Digital Transformation

CRM, Alumni or Donor Portal, Marketing Automation, Analytics—these are all important and incredibly complex projects on their own. Are all in scope?

Even the most well-resourced Advancement teams struggle with both the execution and deep thinking required to deploy those solutions effectively, especially when trying to implement all at the same time. Consider chunking out those projects. One approach is starting with the CRM + Portal. This is the heart and soul of your solution.

If the ecosystem (like Salesforce) is new to your team, another option is starting with something like Marketing Cloud. It’s a smaller project (smaller than a CRM implementation, at least!) that can get your team familiar with Salesforce, serve as a first run at the important components of a project (project management, change management, training, etc.), and is a powerful tool for alumni engagement and annual giving.

5. Prioritize Staffing and Training

When advising shops, this is typically one of the top questions that gets asked. What staff do I need for the implementation? How do I upskill for Salesforce expertise? What staff (net new, in particular) will be needed post-go-live? As with most of the answers to these questions, it depends. You will absolutely need a team willing to learn new things and put in the effort to get through a project of this magnitude.

One of the best resources for learning about Salesforce is the Trailhead platform. It’s free and has an incredible amount of resources. Beware, though, it can be overwhelming, so leaning on peers who have made the journey can help navigate the plethora of available training modules.

6. Streamline Information Delivery/Reporting

Preparing for an implementation is a great opportunity to complete a reporting environment audit. Not only should you assess which reports are being run (how often, by how many people), but you should also affirm the metrics and KPIs those reports measure. Given the average turnover of a VP for Development, it is not uncommon to have reports that measure a previous VP’s key metrics that are no longer valuable to the current leadership. Liberally apply the KISS principle here. An informed reporting environment audit will inevitably lead to deeper conversations about your data, which is another critical pre-project consideration.

7. Manage Data Effectively

This could be an entire write-up on its own, particularly around data health or data cleanliness. At a high level, leveraging your reporting environment audit is a good starting point for assessing your data. It’s important to begin thinking about the data you will move from your old system and whether or not you plan to bring into your new CRM.

To give yourself some options, I would recommend leveraging a data warehouse (a broad term, to be sure!) as part of your digital transformation if you don’t already have one. Having one in place prior to your implementation allows for more flexibility in the many “will it come with us, or will we leave it behind?” decisions you will have to make. Unsure if you will need that data point in your new CRM? Push it into the data warehouse and make the decision during the implementation—or even after. To use the “moving to a new house” metaphor, having a data warehouse is like purchasing a storage unit. Not sure if your great-grandmother’s armoire will fit in your new living room? Put it in the storage unit and decide later!

There is much more to consider around data because, after all, it is the lifeblood of your CRM. For more information, check out these Attain Partners articles: Salesforce Data Storage Options for Nonprofits and Key Strategies for Successful Data Migration. Or let us connect you with one of Attain Partners’ talented Advancement data experts—contact us today.

Attain Partners – Advancement Leaders

This may seem overwhelming, but an incredible community is ready to help your organization. With 19 ascend certifications (and counting!), Attain Partners has experienced and proven Advancement technology leaders who would love to partner with you on your digital transformation journey. We partner closely with UC Innovation for ascend implementations. Connect with us today to start a conversation!

About the Author

Christopher Campbell is a Principal and the Advancement Advisory Lead in Attain Partners’ Attain Digital practice, bringing nearly two decades of experience working in Advancement. He started with the Oklahoma State University Foundation in December 2004 and served in several capacities during his tenure including helping secure private funds for the football stadium’s $300 million Next Level Campaign, overseeing the Prospect Development Team during OSU’s comprehensive campaign, Branding Success which exceeded its $1 billion campaign goal eighteen months ahead of schedule, serving as the Senior Associate Vice President for the Information Strategy Business Unit, and leading the successful implementation of a Salesforce-based advancement CRM solution. Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002 from the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University, majoring in Management Information Systems with a minor in Marketing.

This post originally appeared on the UC Innovation LinkedIn on May 22, 2024.

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