Meet Rachel Miller

Rachel Miller manages the ASF National Conference. She has spent most of her career working for small staffed organizations, so she knows first-hand the value of community coming together to learn and connect. Rachel recently took a moment to share more about herself.

What do you enjoy about your work on the National Conference?

I love that the conference provides a space for people to come together. ASF is not a “one and done” place.  People come back to our conference repeatedly to connect with one another, to connect with ASF. It’s exciting for me to see this happen.

My last job was as a sole staff member, and I frequently felt that I was most energetic in my work when I came together with people. I’d take that energy back to the office and keep conversations going with everyone I met there. I even saved all the handouts and materials and go back and re-read them to see how they hit me later. It’ll be really exciting to see all the connecting going on at the conference from the other side.

What else do you love about your job?

I’m pretty much an across-the-board nerd. I love learning. At ASF there’s always an opportunity to learn more. I love talking with members, learning about what they fund, what issues they’re passionate about. The National Conference is a place for ASF members to share their passions with one another. We have built in lots of opportunities for participants to connect, where we’ll see that sharing happen.

How are you a philanthropist?

I give both time and money. I also focus in two ways: international development and volunteering with a local organization that rebuilds homes and community centers.

I always have to remind myself that we can’t all do everything; we have to pick. Make a difference where you can.