Three Questions with a Board Member

by Robin Hanson

What drew you to the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits board?
First, our foundation is an Alliance member, and I immediately volunteered to serve on the public policy committee. I am impressed with the work the committee does for nonprofits in our state and keeping everyone informed about what is happening on a local, state and federal level and how it impacts our missions. Second, I am impressed with Kristen Merrifield and hearing her speak at a few Alliance conferences. Lastly, I was simply asked to join the board by another Alliance Board member. It’s just like fundraising; most people ask why they made a donation and they say it was “because someone asked them to give.” I was already impressed with and a part of the Alliance, so it was easy to say yes.

What would you say to someone considering joining a nonprofit board?
Specifically for nonprofit leaders, I want them to know that being an Alliance member comes with intangible benefits. You may not be able to actually see the work of the Alliance but you will feel it. For example, nonprofits that qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit feel the positive impact of increased donor participation and giving. Nonprofits would feel the not-so-pretty impact to their nonprofit work if there was no Alliance. The Alliance is a collective force that advocates on behalf of all Arizona nonprofits no matter their size. The board and committee are made up of volunteers who are working at everyone’s best interest.

List your three favorite books:

Memoirs of a Geisha
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Charlotte’s Web (Crazy, I know, but true. I made my mother read it to me every night.)

Meesha Davis

Company: Arizona Foundation for Women
Job Title: CEO

What drew you to the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits board?
I’m inspired by the work the Alliance is doing — raising the visibility and highlighting the important work of every kind of nonprofit organization in Arizona.

What would you say to someone considering joining a nonprofit board?
Serving on a nonprofit board provides all kinds of benefits. It can expand your world view, your personal and professional network, and allows you to use your talents for the greater good.
List your three favorite books: