5 Questions for Amy Bonderoff, Director of Development
As the new Director of Development, Amy Bonderoff is leading and expanding the grant program, individual, corporate, foundation and faith-based fundraising initiatives that support ECPAT-USA’s mission.
Q: Welcome to ECPAT-USA! Can you tell us something about yourself?
Amy Bonderoff, Director of Development
A: Thank you! I’ve known about ECPAT-USA’s work in the anti-trafficking space for 20 years, so I am particularly honored to have joined the team. I am lucky to have served nonprofits and their boards both professionally and as a volunteer. In college, I was part of an intensive pilot program on nonprofit management, the history of nonprofits, and the critical role they serve today. As a lawyer, my clients were foundations and other tax-exempt organizations that served important humanitarian causes. Mission-based work is my passion, and I cannot think of a more important mission we have as a society than protecting our children.
Q: How have your first few weeks been?
A: Incredible. The team is so organized on the backend that I was able to jump in and start learning from our supporters right away. That’s really how I want to spend these first few months: talking to the people who enable us to do this work by giving their time, talent, and financial support. In fact, I was privileged to work with one generous donor right out of the gate who was seeking a deeper level of engagement. We talked about the parts of ECPAT-USA’s work that were particularly meaningful to them and brainstormed how they could maximize their impact. I’m really proud of that conversation.
Q: What does “development” at ECPAT-USA mean to you?
A: Connection. Just today I was connecting with people interested in being one of our charity riders at the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour - you get to see forty miles of New York City, be part of this wonderful team and spread awareness of our mission. The only thing better is the free jersey! There are so many wonderful people who believe in our mission of protecting children from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. When we connect with them, and they connect with us, change can happen for children.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at ECPAT-USA in 2020?
A: The Freedom Awards! I have been working closely with our unstoppable Event Chair, Sydney Rose. This year, we are honoring a partner from the hospitality industry - I can’t stress enough how important our partners in The Code are as a line of defense in preventing and disrupting the trafficking of children. We are also honoring a survivor of domestic sex trafficking who has dedicated her life to helping other women and children who have escaped the commercial sex trade - I think it will be an extremely inspirational, powerful evening. I hope to get to meet a lot of our supporters in person there.
Q: Any surprises?
A: I am continually shocked by the urgency of our mission. I hope that never gets old, actually, that it never feels “normal” to be supporting ECPAT-USA’s work in ending the commercial sex trade of children.