WISE Team
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, 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.
Katy Dennis-Bishop, Strategy Partner
Having spent her childhood as the beneficiary of various nonprofit organizations in her Central Texas hometown, Katy Dennis-Bishop knew after completing her education that nonprofit work was her calling. An experienced writer and lifelong learner, Katy held staff positions at several educational organizations in North Texas before joining WISE, while also building an extensive freelance portfolio. Katy is passionate about organizations working in education, the arts, LGBTQIA+ issues, and family services. Her expertise includes grant writing, public relations, special events, digital fundraising, operational management, and major gifts. Katy obtained her Masters of Nonprofit Management from Arizona State University.
ALISSA NEWTON, STRATEGY PARTNER
Alissa brings six years of experience in resource development at organizations advocating for the disability community and supporting women and children who experienced family violence. Her expertise includes grant writing, individual giving, special events, and development operations. She is a lifelong learner who is dedicated to telling mission-driven stories that create systemic change. Inspired by volunteer opportunities from an early age, she is motivated to support the nonprofit sector in empowering impacted communities to raise their voices. Before bringing her passions for storytelling and social justice together through fundraising, she worked as a freelance journalist, where she enjoyed building relationships with community members. She has a master’s degree in theology and social justice from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The University of Oklahoma.
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.
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.
