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Cynthia Darrison
Director Of Institutional Advancement at Lander College for Women / Touro University
Overview
Cynthia Darrison is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur who has successfully bridged the gaps between the nonprofit, political, and corporate sectors. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of a strategic consulting firm established in 2007, Cynthia has dedicated her career to providing expert consulting services in critical areas such as government proposal writing, strategic project management, and institutional advancement. Her work is characterized by a commitment to helping both nonprofit and for-profit organizations achieve their fundamental goals through innovative fundraising and strategic initiatives.
Professional Background
Since the onset of her professional journey, Cynthia has demonstrated exceptional capacity and expertise in guiding organizations in securing funding and enhancing their operational strategies. Notably, she has raised over $105 million for political candidates and committees since 1991, establishing herself as a formidable force in political fundraising. Her proficiency in proposal writing has led to substantial financial victories for a multitude of clients over the years.
In 2021, Cynthia's strategic acumen was showcased when she successfully penned a proposal that garnered $1.18 million in USDA workforce development funding, benefitting a national umbrella organization representing human services. This victory exemplifies her unique ability to craft compelling proposals that align with the needs of funding organizations.
Her contributions to educational initiatives are equally significant. She was instrumental in writing successful proposals that achieved Universal Pre-Kindergarten and 3-K funding for an educational client between 2013 and 2018. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of educational funding has significantly benefited early education providers, enhancing access to quality education for children in the community.
Cynthia's consulting prowess also extends into the realm of strategic project management and institutional advancement. Her work includes formulating proposals for high-stakes projects, such as a $7.5 million contract with the NYC School Construction Authority, won through her adept writing of RFP responses. This project exemplifies her keen understanding of the demands of urban development and her ability to position her clients to meet these challenges head-on.
The breadth of Cynthia's impact can be seen through her work with New Jersey faith-based nonprofit social service providers as she led efforts in 1998 and 2007 to secure millions in continuing government funding. Additionally, her analytical skills were demonstrated through her writing of a comprehensive survey on the elderly Jewish poor in New York City, which provided critical insights into social service needs in this demographic.
Education and Achievements
Cynthia's academic background laid a strong foundation for her career. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations (MSILR) at Cornell University, a program known for its rigor and focus on workplace dynamics and strategic negotiation. Additionally, her studies in English and Economics at Touro College helped cultivate her skills in effective communication and analytical thinking, which are essential for successful proposal writing and strategic planning.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has held numerous prestigious positions, including serving as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Lander College for Women/Touro University, where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance fundraising outcomes and institutional visibility. Furthermore, her time as an adjunct professor at New York University allowed her to impart her knowledge and experience to the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
Her past roles, such as the Fellowship Program Director at the Chesed Leadership Project and the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the Kleinman Holocaust Education Center, reflect her diverse expertise and commitment to community engagement. Cynthia is recognized for her unwavering dedication to advancing the missions of the organizations she serves, regardless of the sector.
Cynthia has also played significant roles in the corporate sector, previously holding positions as the Senior Vice President of Private Banking at Capital One and Managing Director for the Spitzer 2006 campaign. Her experience in financial services complements her nonprofit work, providing her with a unique perspective that enriches her consulting offerings.
Achievements
Cynthia Darrison's impressive track record is marked by numerous achievements that underscore her influence across sectors. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:
- Raising over $105 million for political candidates and committees since 1991, demonstrating her effectiveness in political fundraising and strategy.
- Writing proposals that secured $1.18 million in USDA funding for a national human services organization in 2021 and capturing critical funding for educational initiatives (Universal Pre-Kindergarten and 3-K) from 2013-2018.
- Successfully drafting RFP responses that won multimillion-dollar contracts in 2016 and subsequent years for clients in engineering and construction, showcasing her ability to navigate complex government funding environments.
- Conducting a significant survey on the elderly Jewish poor in New York City in 2016, providing valuable data for social service programs aimed at this vulnerable population.
- Leading efforts for substantial funding wins for New Jersey nonprofit organizations, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to supporting social services through strategic action.
Cynthia Darrison represents the intersection of expertise, passion, and innovation in her field. Her extensive work in government proposal writing, strategic project management, and institutional advancement makes her a sought-after consultant in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. As the founder and CEO of her consulting firm, she continues to guide organizations toward success, ensuring that they thrive in today's complex landscape.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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