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Attain Partners' Summer Internship Spotlight

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This summer, we welcomed 16 talented students to our Summer 2024 Internship Program. Representing 11 unique areas of study across 14 prestigious universities, this dynamic and engaged group contributed a diverse range of perspectives and skills to the company.

Throughout the eight-week program, we witnessed each intern’s growth and enthusiasm as they used their distinct skillsets to tackle projects across Attain Partners and Attain Sports. Working across domains ranging from business development account planning to professional development design, our internship program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on experience undertaking responsibilities and confronting challenges in today’s complex and dynamic business environment.

We extend our thanks to this cohort for contributing to the bold, entrepreneurial spirit of The Attain Way and helping us in our work of improving the lives we touch. We are grateful for their impressive contributions to our ongoing projects and initiatives!

Interested in interning with us next summer or know someone who would be?

Look out for recruitment for next summer’s program to start in November 2024 or January 2025!

Open Roles
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Takeaways from NCURA’s 66th Annual Meeting: Uniform Guidance, Change Management, AI, and Community

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The Attain Partners team thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring, speaking at, and attending NCURA’s 66th Annual Meeting the first week of August in Washington, D.C. This year’s meeting theme was Rediscover Y-our Journey, and provided an abundance of conversation on topics including recruiting a new generation of professionals, managing change, AI, Uniform Guidance revisions, and so many more.

Our team of experts presented 20 sessions, workshops, and discussion groups and connected with colleagues at our booth where we had the opportunity to share details from our proven track record serving over 70 of the top 100 U.S. research institutions and 100% of Ivy League schools.  

“As a seasoned research administrator with over two decades in the profession, I am used to being a veteran. This year, I was the rookie on the Attain Partners team. Meeting team members in person and sharing information on the support we provide was a new and exciting opportunity for me,” Suzanne Alstadt, Senior Consultant at Attain Partners said.

Uniform Guidance revisions go into effect on October 1st

Gil Tran, Senior Specialist Leader and Attain Partners all-star, always draws a crowd with his informative and entertaining sessions. At NCURA’s meeting, he presented The Final Reveal – Extreme Makeover: Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Edition to a packed house (standing room only!). Gil left the attendees with this expert advice, “The effective date for the Uniform Guidance revisions is October 1, 2024, but the time for understanding, planning, and implementing the revisions at your institution is now, right after the conference closes.”

In case you missed it

If you missed his session, Gil’s on-demand webinar discussing the policy updates is available on demand: The Final Reveal – Extreme Makeover: Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 Edition.

Change Management is essential for all organizations

Whether circumstances are anticipated, such as a new system implementation or a revised UG, or unforeseen like The Great Resignation, change management is an ongoing need in research administration.

Attain Partners Kathleen Halley-Octa, Manager, and Ivonne Kalinski, Senior Consultant, led a session on the topic titled, Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown: Change Management Strategies for Research Administrators. “With the turnover that we have seen in the field in the past few years, institutions are recognizing the importance of investing in change management programs. Whether institutions are tackling initiatives themselves or engaging experts like those at Attain Partners, we’re excited about the number of sessions and conversations we have seen!” Kathleen said after her session.

“As technology rapidly advances, institutions must continually adopt the latest and most effective eRAs. Implementing a new eRA requires more than just system procurement and configuration. A change management program is essential to ensure that end-users are proficient and receptive to the new system, ultimately maximizing the university’s return on investment,” said Ivonne Kalinski, Senior Consultant.

AI technology is being used throughout research administration

The future is now, and AI is a huge part of it. NCURA sessions included conversations involving AI in research portfolio analysis, AI-accelerated research agreements, and utilizing AI to understand uniform guidance.

 “As AI technology continues to evolve, research administrators continue to look for ways to incorporate its use in day-to-day operations. NCURA’s Discovery and Innovation Showcase highlighted the way that Emory, the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, and SUNY have utilized AI to improve their business processes and provide additional services to PIs,” said Kathleen.

We’re ushering in the next generation of Research Administrators

A common theme in the stories of research administrators is getting into the profession by accident. On the road to another profession, somehow, many find themselves on a different path. Now, they are paving the way for new research administrators, adding signs to point the way and even serving as the friendly voice of navigation. Kathleen Halley-Octa was part of the winning team of the Discovery & Innovation Showcase for the project Access to Careers in Research Administration Program (ACRA). 

“At the end of the day, even with advances in AI, it’s important to think of innovative ways to recruit the next generation of research administrators. With such a large percentage of the field approaching retirement age, effectively recruiting, onboarding, and developing research administrators will continue to be a hot topic in years to come,” said Kathleen.

A Network of Support

NCURA’s Annual Meeting is always like coming home for research administrators. There, we find our old friends and provide one another with support and learning opportunities. New friendships and connections are forged, solidifying the bonds that make our profession a family. Team Attain is honored to be part of this family, and our experienced professionals are here to help.

“What an energizing experience,” said Jeff Derr, Principal Consultant. “Seeing 1,800 plus individuals come together to share knowledge, cheer each other on, and share fellowship was incredible. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth and connected with us on how we can help your team and organization! Conference themes of hiring and management, compliance and research security, and self-assessment are all areas that Attain Partners is here for and can help clients with.”

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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 experts? Contact us today!

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Pre-Award Administration and The Attain Way

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Creating exceptional value for our clients through value alignment

Pre-Award Administrators oversee the submission of quality, competitive proposals in coordination with investigators and staff. The Pre-Award phase varies from institution to institution, but always represents the beginning of the grant lifecycle. Pre-Award Administration typically begins with budget preparation and proposal submission and ends with award review, negotiation, and acceptance.

The seven core values of The Attain Way and many of the values of a Pre-Award Administrator are interwoven and displayed throughout the profession. Hear from Senior Consultant and Research Administrator, Sarah Milligan, MPA, CRA, as she walks through how Attain Partners’ service to clients fits into The Attain Way.

Invent the Future

We believe that hope is a critical ignition to creating a better world. Our clients are striving toward great things. We work with you to create a breakthrough vision of the future and execute with purpose and diligence to secure results.

Research administrators are deeply involved in research development by assisting Principal Investigators with the administrative burden that goes along with funding. It is our hope that by taking on this administrative burden and assisting investigators in developing competitive proposals, that they will achieve great things and create a better world through their research.

Be Bold

Our clients face tough challenges, but we believe that the glass is half full. We will confront the current reality, whatever it may be, but maintain an unwavering faith in achieving and delivering a purposeful end result.

Research administrators are often faced with challenges between tight deadlines, perplexing guidelines and requirements, and navigating the politics of an institution. At Attain Partners, we confront those challenges with skills, knowledge, and diplomacy. As research administrators, we know that a solution can be found, the proposal must be submitted, and that the research must go on.

Obsess Externally

Our entire focus is on serving our constituent public, including the society at large and the communities in which we live.

Research administrators are absolutely obsessed with serving society in our roles. We are in the perfect place to assist investigators with work that directly affects their institution, community, and society at large.

Be the Best

We strive to be the best in everything we do, while meeting deadline and budget commitments. We don’t just sell it—we live it.

Research administrators possess a wide array of skills, abilities, and broad knowledge to ensure compliance; meet deadlines; communicate in faculty, sponsor, and research administrator jargon; stay up to date on the constantly changing requirements and guidelines; and so much more. While it can be hard to Be the Best and be a generalist at once, Research administrators are constantly striving to meet that goal.

Team for Speed

True teamwork creates agility. We collaborate with our colleagues and clients, bringing passion, focus, and perseverance to our work.

Research administrators live in a world of “it depends,” and must often rely on colleagues from all over the world to help un-muddy the requirements. We must always persevere through the ever-changing landscape of research and research administration and serve our clients with a passion for our work and a focus on the end result.

Execute with Discipline

Great ideas are nothing without discipline and deliberate execution. With stunning intensity, we lead by example and create an empowering environment for great work.

Research administrators can be seen as gatekeepers in the field of research, but we are often holding those gates open for investigators. We have the ability to create an environment that allows investigators to do great work by deliberately working to maintain compliance with the necessary discipline and credibility to do so. 

Have Absolute Integrity

Our word is our bond. We act with honesty, respect each other, and honor all commitments. No exceptions.

Research administrators are ethical. We are always working to build trust with investigators, departmental staff, and sponsoring agencies. Investigators and universities as a whole rely on research administrators to provide information that they can trust is accurate.

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. 

About the Author

Sarah Milligan is a Senior Consultant at Attain Partners with over nine years of experience in Higher Education focusing on pre-award research administration. Prior to joining Attain Partners, Sarah was Senior College Grant Officer at the University of Kentucky, providing pre-award and non-financial post-award administration for several colleges. Sarah is a Certified Research Administrator and holds an MPA.

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Beth Warrick, Leader in the Workday Ecosystem, Joins Attain Partners

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From Workday Student to Organizational Change Management, Beth Warrick’s Expertise Transforms Clients

Attain Partners is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth (Beth) Warrick to Team Attain! A leader in the Workday ecosystem, Beth will serve higher education clients working to transform their student experiences and streamline internal operations.

Beth brings decades of experience driving digital transformation in higher education institutions—beginning with her time working at universities in different components of campus to her tenure in the Workday implementation space. She has a firsthand understanding of college and university operations and the formal organizational change management background to ensure our clients see the most return on their investments in Workday.

We sat down with Beth to learn about why she chose Attain Partners and hear about the expertise she brings to her role.

Attain Partners (AP): Can you please share a bit about your experience in the Workday ecosystem?

Beth Warrick (BW): I have six years of experience in the Workday ecosystem and hold certifications in Workday HCM, Workday Student Core, Workday Student Curriculum and Records, and Workday Student Recruiting and Admissions. Additionally, I have completed the Workday Configurable Security course. At my previous employer, I primarily worked on the Organization Change and Training Team, but for about 18 months, I served as a Functional Consultant for Workday Student implementations. During this time, I led the Student Recruiting and Admissions Workstream and mentored junior consultants, helping them build their knowledge of higher education and student recruiting and admissions.

AP: How have you seen Workday Student and Workday Human Capital Management/Financials (HCM/FIN) benefit higher education institutions?

BW: One of my new colleagues at Attain Partners referred to Workday as a game changer for higher education and I agree. Workday provides a modern, streamlined, cloud option for institutions who are ready and willing to transform their operations. Creating efficiency and thereby saving money which for higher education is critically important. In addition, Workday Student provides an interface that students are experiencing in other applications—creating a positive, less intimidating, and more personalized experience. More than Workday as a tool, the process of implementing Workday requires that institutions collaborate across the departments, breaking down silos that may exist. The process helps build empathy and understanding across the community that ultimately serves the institution in measurable and non-measurable ways.

Another outcome of the implementation process is the reimagining of existing processes. Many institutions maintain business processes or workflows that are no longer as efficient as they could be. Implementing Workday requires institutions to outline how data and processes will be entered and flow; while sometimes institutions can keep their existing processes intact, the opportunity is there to rethink, refine, and reduce what some see as the red tape present in many organizations.

AP: What brought you to Attain Partners?

BW: I sought a new employment opportunity that aligned with my values and passions, as I believe this alignment is essential for success given the significant amount of time we spend at work. Attain Partners’ seven core values, The Attain Way, resonate deeply with my own, and Attain Partners’ clients share my passion for making the world a better place. I was particularly excited to see that Attain Partners prioritizes education as a key industry to serve.

AP: What are the biggest ways you’ve seen organizational change management (OCM) transform institutions?

BW: Change can be challenging for any organization, but I have found that higher education institutions face unique cultural attributes that make change less frequent. With 30 years of experience in higher education, encompassing roles in student affairs, student recruiting and admissions, faculty affairs, HR, and institutional research, I have a deep understanding of these nuances. Organizational Change Management helps transform institutions by asking insightful questions that drive positive change. The most powerful questions include “Why?” and “How does [___] serve the future of the institution?” Once the college or university has determined that a change makes sense for them, OCM helps the variety of stakeholders within the institution align to the change and feel a part of making the institution better. We want change to be something in which everyone plays a part and finds benefit from.

Many higher education organizations may lack the capacity for transformational change simply because they don’t encounter it regularly. Building change knowledge and capacity within a college or university can be incredibly powerful. It reduces the fear of change, diminishes resistance, and creates a more positive view of change. This readiness paves the way for more effective responses to future political, social, and economic challenges.

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

BW: It’s difficult to choose just one, so I need to combine two values to answer this question. Invent the Future is a powerful value that initially drew me to Attain Partners. It emphasizes creating a better world and highlights the incredible impact our clients have in improving the world. It also reflects our commitment to partnering with our clients to turn their visions into reality. The second value that resonates deeply with me is Have Absolute Integrity. To help clients invent the future for their organizations, we must be trusted and trustworthy. An effective and transformative partnership thrives on trust, and trust is built on integrity.

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

BW: Honestly, it’s the challenges that I enjoy the most. I’m a problem solver and thrive on tackling puzzles and mysteries. My job involves understanding these challenges and finding solutions that not only address the immediate issue but also empower clients to handle future challenges. I also love the emphasis on individuals that my job requires. Organizational change relies on individuals willing to support and adopt new behaviors to sustain the change. Humans are complex, and there’s no single method to ensure change happens. I relish the constant challenge of learning about people, their motivations, fears, and goals, and using that understanding to drive meaningful change.

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

BW: I love seeing the “change lightbulb” go on for clients. It’s incredibly rewarding when a client starts to understand how change management works, embraces the change capacity they are building, and sees how it can continually benefit their organization. Consultants are often seen as outside experts who impose solutions, but I view my role differently. I see myself as an educator, confidence builder, and coach for the client. When I know I’ve helped someone become more skilled and effective at managing change within their organization, I feel truly successful.

Attain Partners – Digital Transformation Experts

No matter if your organization is beginning its digital transformation journey or 10+ years into driving sustained change, Attain Partners is here to help you achieve your goals.

Driving digital transformation from Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to Data Services, Analytics, and Applications Modernization, Attain Partners provides end-to-end solutions that help advance our clients’ important missions.

Under the strategic leadership of Partner Reshma Patel-Jackson, our Attain Digital practice aligns our core digital and transformation services to enhance market focus and emphasize delivery excellence, addressing diverse client needs and providing enterprise-wide strategy and technology transformation expertise at scale.

Enterprise Business Solutions – Learn More

Learn more – Beth Warrick

Beth Warrick has over 30 years of experience in higher education in a variety of roles and several types of institutions. She possesses a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Washington (Seattle). Beth is an experienced and skilled change management, organization development, process improvement, and training professional. Beth is powered by building relationships, envisioning, implementing, and improving innovative programs and processes. Beth has supported over 15 Workday ERP implementations in both change management and functional roles. Beth Warrick is a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), is Prosci certified, and has completed the Design Thinking Certification from IDEO U.

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Meet Carey Monroe, Ph.D., Project Management Expert, Attain Partners

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Project Managers—Navigating the Gap Between Team and Client

Carey Monroe, Ph. D., shares her expertise with Attain Partners’ clients as a Salesforce Project Manager for Higher Education. She gained her official title of Project Manager in 2021 but has been mastering the skills needed for her role from a young age. We sat down with Carey to learn about why she chose Attain Partners and hear about the expertise she brings to her role.

Attain Partners (AP): How did you get into project management?

Carey Monroe (CM): I honestly feel like I have been a project manager my entire life—even before I knew it was an official role—from a very young age, I have been conscious about time and organization! During my academic pursuits, I approached my coursework much like a project and always took a leadership role in group activities—and in my household, if you ask my husband or children to describe my leadership style they would definitely say, “task master,” haha!

I received my PMP in 2018 while serving as a Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at a small private university because recruiting, admissions, and marketing are large projects! I also wanted to add a PM program to the curriculum due to the predicted shortage of PMs (which we are seeing now!). In 2021, I officially became a project manager by title and have loved every minute of it—from planning the projects to managing the team and building client relationships. Our family has a nonprofit organization that has become a reality since we had the vision in 2021. I am proud to be the driving force behind this project’s execution. 

AP: What brought you to Attain Partners?

CM: Before this role, I was working as an Engagement Manager. An internal employee referred me, and then after meeting with Jenny Rice, Alanna Steffens, Virginia Berkenkotter, Phil Agee, Reshma Patel-Jackson, and Francis Quinn, I knew this is where I wanted to be! The goals of this company, the clients we serve, and the team atmosphere made me want to be a part of Team Attain. 

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

CM: Execute with Discipline—great ideas are nothing without discipline and deliberate execution. With stunning intensity, we lead by example and create an empowering environment for great work. As someone who has always embodied the entrepreneurial spirit, this core value speaks to me the most. I love driving a vision into a reality! 

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

CM: I love working with the internal team to brainstorm and assist in delivering creative solutions to meet the needs of our clients. Also, I absolutely love working with and creating lifelong relationships with clients! 

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

CM: Project Managers stand in the gap between the team and the client. We know how to have tough conversations on both sides if needed, we know how to steer the ship, and we are tremendous problem solvers—we know how to get things done! There is a big difference between being a “doer” and getting things done—project managers drive the work from both sides. We are also the face of the organization as our clients see us day in and day out. A great project manager has the ability to win trust and keep it.

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

CM: There is SO much to do! It’s very easy to get buried in the day-to-day weeds and forget why we’re here and the difference we are making for our clients, our company, and the constituents our clients serve. In higher education and nonprofit alike, our clients have amazing missions with the ability to change the course of so many lives for the better—we have to keep our overall goals in mind without missing the big picture of the “why.”

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

CM: The Chronicle of Higher Education is one of my favorites. I am also a member of several groups on LinkedIn that focus on technology in higher education and nonprofit organizations.

Learn more – Program and Project Management

At Attain Partners, our program management team holds decades of expertise in helping organizations across the social and public sectors deliver services on time and within budget. By leveraging today’s program management best practices—inclusive of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) standards—we see the full picture of your program to better align your projects and processes to your strategic objectives, improving your day-to-day practices, ensuring compliance, and achieving your desired goals.

Learn more about our end-to-end program management support services for large-scale systems integration and development programs here.

Learn more – Carey Monroe

Dr. Carey Monroe has served as a vice president of enrollment management, director of career development, cooperative education manager, student success specialist, high school business teacher, and owned two successful businesses. She now has the pleasure of serving higher education clients as they navigate enterprise projects in the Salesforce ecosystem. Carey loves to spend time with family and friends, ride her horse, and operates a nonprofit organization serving veterans and those who have suffered traumatic injuries in her “spare” time!

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Meet Nonprofit Expert Sterrin Bird

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Salesforce expert and experienced nonprofit leader Sterrin Bird joins Attain Partners as Nonprofit Executive in Residence

In June, Sterrin Bird, a legend in the Salesforce ecosystem known for her ability to radically transform and improve the operations of nonprofits, joined Attain Partners as our first Nonprofit Executive in Residence. Designed to bring the best minds in the business to our clients, the Executive in Residence program allows key leaders to consult with Team Attain, sharing their expertise. We are thrilled to have Sterrin working with our tremendous nonprofit experts within the Attain Digital practice.

Attain Partners is the premier Salesforce consultancy for the nonprofit industry. As a Salesforce Summit Partner, our team of experts is always striving to invent the future and be the best in everything we do. From the ALS Association to the SEED Foundation, our strategy and CRM experts first work with nonprofit visionaries to identify their business problems and then design and implement a tailored solution to help them move their missions forward. With Sterrin helping to bring innovative ideas to life, our nonprofit clients are poised for incredible transformation.

Learn more about Sterrin and her passion for the nonprofit industry in our interview below. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to hear from her directly!

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Nonprofit Innovation for Impact: PREPARE – Attain Partners
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Nonprofit Innovation for Impact: MANAGE – Attain Partners
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Nonprofit Innovation for Impact: REINFORCE – Attain Partners
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Attain Partners (AP): Why are you passionate about helping nonprofits advance their important missions?

Sterrin Bird (SB): First of all, I want to say that I believe inherently in humankind and our desire to help each other and to live in community. I also think we grossly underestimate the way the nonprofit sector is holding up communities around the world, filling in the gaps and providing the scaffolding and infrastructure that the private and larger public sector cannot (and will not) manage. So, with that said, I think we need the nonprofit sector to not just survive, but to thrive! I have been unbelievably blessed to work in this sector for my entire career—I have a lot to share but also a lot to learn. If I can be a catalyst of supporting my colleagues around the world with innovation by leveraging my experience and the team at Attain Partners, then I’m in.

AP: How did you start working in the nonprofit industry?

SB: I grew up in a family that was very philanthropic when times were good and at the time of their passing, my parents were homeless. I’m acutely aware of the generosity of others that propelled me through high school, college, and beyond. I knew what it was like to have and to have nothing and need to ask for help. I suppose it was my destiny to work in this amazing industry.

AP: What made you decide to join Attain Partners as Nonprofit Executive in Residence?

SB: From the moment I met Kristi Phillips, I knew she was approaching this work differently than the others. Kristi was developing the strategy with equal parts heart and mind. We agreed that we can’t keep doing things the same way and re-packaging it saying it’s different and wishing for an alternate outcome. We have a responsibility to collaborate with the NGOs we serve to deliver sustainable roadmaps, strategic guidance, and uncommon coaching. Let’s not overcomplicate this—let’s do it! We need to partner differently, to learn differently, and to build community around the work. Because the work is hard.

“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the NGOs we serve to deliver sustainable roadmaps, strategic guidance, and uncommon coaching.“

Sterrin Bird, Nonprofit Executive in Residence, Attain Partners

AP: What are the biggest areas of opportunity for nonprofits right now?

SB: I think one of the biggest areas of opportunity right now is with collaboration and learning about how to practically leverage tech in service of fundraising—that’s how Attain Partners approaches it. Not talking at you, but learning and growing with you. And, we must advantage the innovation we are watching unfold—at a minimum, get your data house in order! We also want to get back to being human. This work is human work—we need to get back together and be together in the work. The NGO industry is by definition built on sharing—let’s work together!

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

SB: That’s easy—Be Bold!

AP: What are the biggest ways you’ve seen digital transformation initiatives impact nonprofit organizations?

SB: I remember visiting with Paul Luu, the CEO of the Chinese American Service League in Chicago, and hearing the story of the work his organization does for the Chinese community. Their journey with Salesforce began prior to the pandemic, and, by God’s grace, allowed them to support and scale their work during COVID. The lessons learned, their journey, response, and impact were mind-blowing. He reminded me that digital transformation is a misnomer—it’s an evolution, not a destination.

AP: What do you enjoy outside of work?

SB: I love my family! My son, Tommy, just graduated from high school and is off to Colorado State in the fall, and my daughter Mary is a rising junior. I love my yellow lab, Jerry Garcia, too—he will be joined later this Fall by a little sister puppy, Joni Mitchell.  I guess you can tell by my dogs’ names that I am a hippie at heart and an avid music lover! I enjoy spending time in Lake Tahoe in the summer and winter and Newport Beach. New York is my favorite US city and New Orleans is a close second. I’ve been to New Orleans Jazz Fest 29 times and the Kentucky Derby 10 times, and I love spending time in Napa and Sonoma, too!

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 – Sterrin Bird

Sterrin Bird is a global fundraising leader and transformative figure in the nonprofit community, universally recognized for her nearly three decades of exceptional dedication to philanthropy. Her expertise spans the future of fundraising, building robust teams, and mastering the art of relational fundraising. With a keen focus on breaking down silos and fostering human-centered change, Sterrin excels in leveraging technology in support of mission outcomes and is an advocate for utilizing AI for fundraising innovation.

Prior to her tenure as a development officer, Sterrin catalyzed growth as a development consultant for three notable international consulting firms, where she blossomed into a cross-functional leader. In 2010, she founded her own consulting practice, orienting her approach around uncommon coaching and leadership mentoring. Throughout her multifaceted career, Sterrin has orchestrated over three dozen capital campaigns across the globe, cumulatively raising more than $5.5 billion, securing her reputation as a global fundraising leader.

In her professional journey, she has held pivotal leadership roles at prestigious nonprofit giants such as Duke Medicine, the University of California, the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, and United Way. Sterrin also spent four years as the in-house nonprofit expert with the global team at Salesforce.

Sterrin holds an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a True North Leadership Fellow and was named to the Advisory Council of Rogare, a fundraising think tank in the UK at the University of Plymouth.

Her extensive experience with C-suite executives, nonprofit directors, and leadership across complex organizations speaks to her ability to exceed funding objectives while leading teams and managing the ever-changing nonprofit industry. A distinguished cross-functional leader, Sterrin navigates the intersection of fundraising, marketing, brand positioning, and program advancement with ease.

Originally from Short Hills, New Jersey, Sterrin now calls the Bay Area home, living with her two children, Thomas and Mary. She is a prolific public speaker and is also deeply invested in her community, she sits on the board of Maimoni Valley Preserve, One Life Counseling, and the Young Men’s Service League, embodying the spirit of engaged and impactful citizenship.

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

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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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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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