Tawnia Wise, CFRE, Founder and CEO

Tawnia Wise is the founder and CEO of WISE Resource Development (WISE), a nonprofit consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Her dream of a career in social justice began as a reaction to growing up as a resident of Section 8 housing and recipient of public benefits in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. After spending nearly two decades helping nonprofits secure the resources needed to live out their missions, she wanted to deepen her commitment and passion by transforming nonprofits into more effective social justice agents.

In 2014, Tawnia launched WISE and quickly became one of the most sought-after consultants in Dallas. Known as someone who could marry strategy with tactical support for tangible fundraising results, Tawnia began expanding WISE and creating a firm of talented and cause-focused consultants to meet the demand for services. Today, her firm is hired by funders to build capacity for start-up organizations, by large nonprofits to supplement and support their in-house talent and by nonprofits of all sizes to forge a dedicated partnership with a consultant who understands how to leverage their assets and strengths for fundraising success.

Tawnia’s debut book, Become a Nonprofit Pro: 9 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them, encompasses the most frequent advice and insights she gives to her clients who are looking to level up their organization’s impact. Tawnia is part of a movement to transform “sage from the stage” nonprofit consulting. By meeting organizations where they are with tactical support and strategic guidance, WISE helps them develop greater levels of efficiency and effectiveness.

HEATHER QUINN, CFRE, Chief Strategy Officer

Heather Quinn is passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their missions through effective fundraising. A student of collaboration and human-centered design, she prides herself on creating authentic and customized solutions for each client that result in the biggest returns. She has worked with social impact clients internationally across a broad range of causes, including the arts, children and family services, education, food insecurity, and place-based organizations. Heather received her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree from the University of North Texas. She is also a Certified Fundraising Executive.

Alex Hoenich, CFRE, Senior Strategy Partner

Alex Hoenich has spent her career amplifying the work and voices of nonprofits in North Texas. Her passion for the local community has led her to work alongside youth, workforce development and place-based organizations. Her expertise includes special events, major gift stewardship, operational management, donor cultivation and funding strategies. From concept to completion, Alex will bring her enthusiasm and skill set to ensure your vision is brought to life. Alex received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University.

Liz Hammond, CFRE, strategy partner

Liz brings over a decade of nonprofit experience in various causes, including disability advocacy, homeless services, and early intervention and prevention services for children and families. As a child beneficiary of nonprofit services, she knew that she wanted to make a difference in her community. Her expertise includes grant writing, marketing, days of giving, nonprofit operations, and special event fundraising. She has a dual Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington.

ALLISON CHEADLE-GANDHI, CFRE, STRATEGY PARTNER

Allison is passionate about social change and improving quality of life for all. Volunteering with her family from a young age opened her eyes to systemic oppression in Western North Carolina and beyond. These experiences generated a path that grew into a fundraising career. Allison has over a decade of experience growing support for organizations in the arts, healthcare and senior services through annual giving, special events and grants. Allison earned her Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern University) and her Master of Arts in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Georgia. She has been a Certified Fundraising Executive since 2017.

Vanessa Delgado, Project Manager

Vanessa is motivated by her desire to make a meaningful impact. With a Master’s degree in International Studies, she has acquired extensive knowledge of human rights and social justice issues globally. Vanessa excels in using research and writing as a means of advocating for change. Driven by her dedication to empowering others, she actively engages in volunteer work and publishes articles on various social issues. She understands the significance of raising awareness and promoting dialogue to foster positive transformations in society. Vanessa plays a vital role in the administrative and project work for WISE. Her support contributes to WISE’s mission and its efforts to assist nonprofits across Texas. Vanessa is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Jayla Reedy, Executive assistant

Jayla comes from an economically disadvantaged background that has influenced her perspective and passion for improving communal support and access. She accomplishes this by driving operational efficiency and supporting non-profit initiatives whilst bringing a unique blend of administrative prowess, time management skills, and collaborative spirit to the dynamic world of consultancy. From coordinating meetings to streamlining processes, she ensures that every moment is leveraged effectively. Jayla utilizes a proactive approach to enhancing our consultancy's overall effectiveness and is passionate about ensuring our clients can focus on what matters most - their impactful work.