Suzanne Ehlers

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR (the fundraising partner of the UN Refugee Agency), to explore how women are reshaping philanthropy—and how nonprofits can better design giving models that reflect who is actually driving decisions. Suzanne shares why traditional fundraising approaches often haven’t been built with women at the center, even though women influence the vast majority of giving decisions and are poised to inherit a significant portion of global wealth. (UNHCR)

Suzanne also unpacks USA for UNHCR’s women-led campaign, Building Better Futures, a $15M initiative that supports refugee women through higher-education scholarships via UNHCR’s DAFI program. Together, Rob and Suzanne discuss how relationship-based philanthropy, authentic storytelling, and flexible program delivery can create deeper donor engagement and more durable impact for refugee women and girls. (UNHCR)

Key Topics Include:

• Why philanthropy models must evolve to match who drives giving decisions—and why women’s leadership in giving matters
• How Building Better Futures centers women “soup to nuts”: donor voice, decision-making, and impact priorities
• The power shift from transactional fundraising to relationship-driven philanthropy and shared purpose
• How USA for UNHCR is helping sustain and expand the DAFI Scholarship Programme for refugee higher education
• Closing the gender gap in refugee education by intentionally prioritizing women scholars
• Storytelling that’s “by and for” women—using authentic refugee voices to inspire action
• Why flexibility (host-country study, support systems, and virtual options) is essential for education programs in refugee contexts

Mentioned in This Episode:

• USA for UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency fundraising partner): https://www.unrefugees.org
• Building Better Futures campaign: https://www.unrefugees.org/building-better-futures/
• UNHCR’s DAFI Tertiary Scholarship Programme: https://www.unhcr.org/us/what-we-do/build-better-futures/education/higher-education-and-skills/dafi-tertiary-scholarship-0
• Suzanne Ehlers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-ehlers
• Not Really Strangers Podcast https://www.unrefugees.org/not-really-strangers-podcast/ (UNHCR)

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

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