Join us in welcoming Naomi Hadley, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s new Donor Relations Coordinator!
We sat down with Naomi so you could learn more about her background and path to fundraising. Welcome to the Foundation, Naomi!
Naomi visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina. Naomi is a frequent visitor of this park as her family takes a yearly trip to the Outer Banks, NC. Photo by Braeden DuMond
From small town to capital city
I’ve lived in Wisconsin all my life. My roots lie in Jackson, a small village 40 minutes northwest of Milwaukee. While growing up Jackson, I spent several years working as an animal caregiver for a humane society. This gave me the opportunity to get firsthand experience with wildlife rehabilitation, critical care for incoming strays, and working with families as an adoption counselor. Part of my role was ensuring our animals went to appropriate and loving homes. I took this passion into my college career, as I made the move to Madison to study animal science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I had initially committed to a pre-veterinary track. But, after working in a small animal vet clinic throughout college I quickly realized that my heart was more with wildlife needing a voice and an advocate, not necessarily with the vet practice pets. Although, they were all very adorable!
Naomi while working at Truesdell Animal Care Hospital during the pandemic. Photo by Aubree Armstrong
College with a side of career changes
While studying at UW-Madison, I split my time between my schooling, working, traveling, and singing with a student-run a cappella group. While in this group, I got my first taste of event planning, fundraising, and networking. I served as their Social Media & Relations Director for 2 years. I had a blast alongside my friends, promoting our art through concerts, gigs, and tours. It became second nature to take on fundraising campaigns and event planning for the success of a group I cared deeply for. While in my final semester at UW-Madison, unsure if the degree I was finishing was where I truly wanted to be, I ended up taking a course titled The Extinction of Species. This was a ‘final sign’ that I should pursue a career in species protection and wildlife conservation. I promptly enrolled in Unity Environmental University and completed a master’s degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management.
Naomi (center stage), competing with her a cappella group at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA like in the movie Pitch Perfect!). Photo courtesy of Naomi Hadley
A people person in her natural habitat
Knowing that I had always felt in my element prioritizing connections, I realized I’d be able to leverage my strengths in a position of fundraising and donor relations for nonprofits that I’d be proud to represent. This began after my master’s program when I interned with the Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF) as their Conservation Fundraising Specialist. This position challenged me to use my education alongside my soft skills to obtain and foster a donor base for WRF’s conservation projects and events. Beyond this, I was tasked with digital storytelling and crafting updated social media/fundraising content, where I felt right at home. After hearing about the Donor Relations position with NRF, I was ecstatic. It offered all the work I enjoyed doing for WRF with an even greater opportunity to foster donor relationships and plan events to promote a culture of gratitude and continued donor engagement.
Naomi on a rock bluff at Devil’s Lake State Park. Photo by Abby Hadley
Keeping busy outside of work
Outside of my time at NRF, I like to keep a busy schedule of meetups with friends. I attend local events in my lively neighborhood, host themed get-togethers, and take any opportunity I can to get outside.
I am honored to be able to join my passion for conservation to my eagerness to connect with others all while representing a mission I am proud to support. Some of my main priorities with NRF will be overseeing the Great Wisconsin Birdathon and the Wayfarers group. I am excited to meet NRF’s supporting communities and fellow nature enthusiasts through these outlets!
Naomi & her partner, Braeden, exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI. Photo courtesy of Naomi Hadley
Please join us in welcoming Naomi!
Written by Naomi Hadley, Donor Relations Coordinator