Mae Parker and Izabel Foerstner joined the University of Iowa's College of Education as key development leaders with the UI Center for Advancement in the spring semester.
Parker is the new executive director of development, and she brings more than 19 years of experience in donor development and team leadership to Iowa.
"Supporting the work of the College of Education is coming at such a critical time,” Parker says. “The good work happening in the college is so needed across our community at a local, state, and national level. It is a privilege to be able to share with alumni, family, and friends of the College of Education, just how their gift support can change the lives of students today and in the future.”
Parker is leading fundraising efforts, especially as part of the University of Iowa’s comprehensive campaign, Together Hawkeyes, by stewarding donors, managing her team, and bringing new ideas and programs to support giving.
"We will be working to secure more gifts in support of scholarships for students, programmatic support of the variety of activities taking place in and around the Lindquist Center and lifting up new ideas as the landscape of higher education evolves," Parker says.
She came to Iowa from Grinnell College where she was the team lead and raised more than $35 million dollars.
Her commitment to the fundraising profession extends beyond her work. She has held leadership positions in several volunteer organizations, including the Sharing The Annual Fund Fundamentals (STAFF) Steering Committee and the Reimagining Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Grinnell Community Schools Committee. Her contributions have led to the creation of a DEI and curriculum coordinator position at Grinnell Community Schools.
Parker says she looks forward to continuing to meet others who are passionate about supporting the College of Education.
“I’ve seen education as a privilege in my life that has helped me grow as a person and professionally. I believe strongly that everyone should have access to learning in a K-12 setting as well as being able to access educational pursuits outside of the K-12 setting, whether that be at a college, university, or trade,” Parker says. “Now, having three children currently in various phases of their own learning, I can see how passionate educators are impacting their lives and how access and equity for students continues to be more important now than ever before.”
Foerstner returns to Iowa as the associate director of development, bringing additional experience from the University of New Hampshire, following the work she did at the University of Iowa during her undergraduate years.
“I am thrilled to help secure additional funding for the University of Iowa College of Education and raise awareness about the incredible programs that benefit the broader community,” Foerstner says.
Foerstner holds bachelor’s degrees in marketing and business analytics and information systems from the University of Iowa. During her undergraduate career, she also earned a nonprofit leadership and philanthropy certificate, which underscores her commitment to advancing nonprofit initiatives through effective fundraising and donor engagement strategies.
While a student at Iowa, Foerstner also worked as a finance clerk and fundraising intern in the UI Center for Advancement.
Her hands-on involvement in reconciling transactions, implementing new systems, and leading donor meetings provided her with comprehensive insights into the operations of university advancement.
Foerstner’s background in development at the University of New Hampshire and her earlier experience as a student worker at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement have equipped her with great perspective into fundraising.
The pair is committed to securing support for scholarships and programs, emphasizing the importance of access and equity in education. They look forward to enhancing the college’s fundraising efforts and building strong relationships with the college’s many constituents and community partners.
