Laura Padron is a distinguished leader in philanthropy, boasting over three decades of experience in fundraising, grant making, board development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President for Advancement at the University of Connecticut Foundation in support of the $1.5 billion “Because of UConn” campaign, achieving record-breaking successes, including the largest alumni gift in university history. Before her tenure at UConn, Laura held key positions at other distinguished institutions, including Associate Vice President at the Florida International University Foundation, where she exceeded the $750 million Next Horizon Campaign goal, and Assistant Dean for Development at the University of Miami School of Business, leading the school’s role in the $1.6 billion university campaign.

Prior to academia, Laura directed national programs at the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, including the prestigious Presidential Scholars in the Arts, White House Commission partnership and YoungArts program.

Laura’s innovative leadership and strategic vision have earned her numerous accolades, such as the 2021 Global Forum for Education and Learning Top 100 Visionaries in Education Award, as well as multiple CASE Gold and Platinum Awards. Laura is an active member of various professional organizations and frequently shares her expertise through speaking engagements and mentorship programs, continuing to inspire the next generation of philanthropic leaders. Her contributions to the field of advancement are widely acknowledged, positioning her as a respected voice in higher education philanthropy.

Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is passionate about causes that impact the lives of children and animals, reflecting her holistic approach to transformational change across sectors. Laura is an alumna of Florida State University and Delta Delta Delta sorority and is a former Board member and President-elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Miami.

Shivani Joshi is an accomplished executive with over 18 years of experience in philanthropy, partnerships, business development, and higher education. Currently, she is the Chief Advancement Officer at Gulliver Prep, where she drives strategic initiatives to advance the institution’s goals. Previously, Shivani spent 12 years at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where she held various leadership roles. As Interim AVP at the FIU Foundation, she secured major gifts of $1 million and above, led fundraising efforts across 11 colleges, and developed a principal gift program. Her work with the South Beach Wine and Food Festival further enhanced donor engagement. As Senior Executive Director of Global Philanthropy and Partnerships, Shivani exceeded a $50 million goal by raising $65 million for the Next Horizon Capital Campaign and established departments for alumni giving, corporate giving, and stewardship, earning CASE Gold and Silver awards.

Shivani’s global impact includes forging partnerships with organizations like Bacardi and Marriott International, and expanding international collaborations in regions such as the Caribbean, South/Central America, and Europe. She also developed a global fundraising platform and led COVID- 19 Relief Fund efforts, raising over $2.5 million in three months.

Her previous roles include positions at the University of Miami School of Business and the American Cancer Society, where she developed corporate partnerships and managed high-profile events. Shivani holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Miami and has continued her professional development through Leadership Miami and the Prosper Accelerator. She has also contributed to the Gulliver Preparatory School Development Committee.