Michelle Fuko
With nearly two decades of experience in fundraising and development, I’m proud to serve as the Chief Advancement Officer at Queen’s University. In this role, I oversee an amazing team of 130 talented individuals and get to work with incredible donors who want to change the world through philanthropy. I also serve as a board member with the Newcomer Centre in Edmonton, an organization dedicated to ensuring newcomers thrive in our community. My career is also my passion: I’m deeply committed to creating meaningful, joyful giving experiences for donors while ensuring that fundraising evolves to meet the changing needs of donors and the communities we serve. For me, this work is about making a tangible, lasting impact—and that’s what drives me every day.
I hold a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Athabasca University, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, and I am a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). My doctoral research will expand on my experience in post-secondary fundraising, examining how the interplay of accountability, politics, and power shapes (authentic) fundraising leadership styles and strategies in this space. Through this work, I aim to highlight the impact of colonized approaches and embedded power dynamics within our industry. My goal is to propose solutions that foster greater inclusivity and help modernize our fundraising practices to meet contemporary needs.
