Kate serves as the Director of Philanthropy and Volunteerism at Shineforth.  She joined Shineforth in January 2014 as the Administrative Services Manager at Charterhouse School.  Part of her role involved engaging with the dedicated volunteer tutors and volunteer groups who came to campus – she was (and remains) blown away by their commitment to the kids we serve.  In 2016 she was recruited to join the Development Team as the Volunteer Coordinator, and then Volunteer Manager where she created the Family Champion program and was instrumental in receiving the Service Enterprise (SEI) certification for Shineforth.  She soon realized that she is a fundraiser at heart and was promoted to Associate Director of Stewardship and Engagement which expanded her role to include the Generosity Collective, storytelling, the annual fund, and grant opportunities. Now, as the Director of Philanthropy and Volunteerism, Kate is thrilled to lead our incredible team and create a culture of philanthropy within the Shineforth community. Kate is passionate about the children and families we serve and feels honored to get to share their stories with the community. 

Kate holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Psychology from The College of William and Mary.  She is a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA).

Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and young children Foster and Ellie.  You will often find her at home reading a book, planting in the garden, or armed with a tape measurer rearranging furniture.   

Why Shineforth: Shineforth is a place like no other – the dedicated staff, board, volunteers, donors, and community partners are what set us apart.  We live and breathe or values each and every day in all we do — all in the pursuit of creating and healing families for children across the country.

Reach out to me for: Corporate partnerships, community events, and speaking engagements.

Julia joined Shineforth in May 2022 as the Major Gifts Officer, where she specializes in strategic fundraising, donor cultivation and engagement, and stewardship. In her role, she works to build lasting philanthropic partnerships that advance the organization’s mission through both the Annual Fund and special projects. Julia is passionate about the power of relationships to drive meaningful change and enjoys connecting people with causes that resonate with them, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Julia holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Randolph-Macon College and a Master’s in Nonprofit Studies from the University of Richmond. She is an active member of both VAFRE and AFP. Passionate about the direct impact of philanthropy on communities, Shineforth’s core value of “Relationships are our Building Blocks” is something she feels every day.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys exploring Richmond, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Whether she’s with loved ones or meeting someone new, Julia cherishes the connections that bring people together.

Why Shineforth: “I was drawn to Shineforth’ss wide range of programs and dedication to meeting children and families where they are. It’s been incredibly inspiring to be a small piece of the puzzle, and I really enjoy meeting so many amazing donors who believe in our mission. The impact Shineforth has on supporting others resonates deeply with me, especially in how they provide both immediate support and long-term solutions.”

Reach out to me for: Making a gift to Shineforth, joining our Planned Giving society, making a non-cash gift of stocks or securities, or speaking engagements.

As Annual Fund Officer at Shineforth, Sarah Beam is often a first point of contact regarding your charitable giving. Sarah is passionate about stewardship and forming relationships with the Shineforth community and will often reach out via email or phone call to let you know how grateful we are for your support. Sarah is also involved in submitting for and reporting on grants as well as the production of our mailed publications including our quarterly newsletter, The Champion, and the Annual Report.

Sarah got started down the path of fundraising while working at the student call center for the University of Virginia. It was there that she graduated with distinction, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English and Linguistics with a minor in ASL and Deaf Culture Studies. Sarah’s fundraising experience at the call center was built upon in a Youth Advisory Support Liaison role, where she was first introduced to grant application processes and the non-profit world. After graduating, Sarah held the role of Development Specialist at another human services non-profit, building on previous grant writing experience and learning more about individual fundraising and stewardship. 

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys rock climbing, listening to live music, and volunteering with a community print studio. Sarah also works as an Editor and Project Manager for a small, independent publisher in Richmond.

Why Shineforth: “Having lived in the Richmond area my whole life, I’ve been familiar with Shineforth and the important work that the agency does for years. I was drawn to Shineforth’s dedication to inclusivity as well as our programs’ trauma-informed approach.”

Reach out to me for: Questions about your donation(s), company matching gift confirmations, speaking engagements, and grant opportunities for Shineforth!

Brenda started her journey with Shineforth in September 1986 as the Administrative Assistant in the Development Office. After six years, she left and joined the staff of Trinity UMC as Office Manager. She returned to Shineforth in 1997 as Administrative Assistant, then Office Manager of the RRC team. In 1999, Brenda rejoined the Development Office and, after several years, she was promoted to Administrative Services Manager for Development.

Brenda is the database administrator of our software program. Some of her responsibilities include processing donations, acknowledgement letters, reports, and working with our alumni and Resource Development Committee. She supports the Development Team and works closely with our Finance Office. She enjoys meeting and building relationships with our donors.

When away from work, Brenda loves spending time with her two Boston Terriers, her family and friends, going to the beach, and working in her yard.

 Why Shineforth: I love Shineforth, our mission, and feel Shineforth is family. I am very thankful for our donors who believe in our mission and are our unwavering champions. My motivation is watching a vulnerable youth come into our program and see how he/she blossoms during their stay. I believe every child deserves to have a loving family and home. 

Reach out to me for: If you have any questions about donations, tours, or speaking engagements.

Lauren joined Shineforth in October 2023 as the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator and serves as the primary contact for all volunteer-led activities supporting youth on campus and families connected to Shineforth. She plays a vital role in fostering relationships with local businesses, coordinating impactful volunteer experiences, and ensuring that Shineforth youth and families feel supported and celebrated.

Lauren organizes and manages efforts such as holiday gift drives, campus activities, and volunteer engagement for parent appreciation events. She also fosters partnerships with local schools and recruits volunteers for special initiatives like backpack drives, Field Day, Prom, and celebratory events for social workers, teachers, students, and Shineforth foster and adoptive families. In addition, Lauren works with businesses, community groups, and volunteers to create opportunities that keep youth connected to their communities through mentorship, tutoring, and donation drives.

With a deep passion for empowering children and families, Lauren is committed to strengthening Shineforth’s reach through collaboration and advocacy. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Lauren has an extensive background as a therapist and behavior specialist and has dedicated her career to creating safe, inclusive, and enriching spaces where youth can thrive.  In her time away from work, Lauren can be found by the water with a good book, exploring local museums, and traveling to discover new restaurants and adventure. Lauren is passionate about cultivating connections between communities, businesses, and individuals.

Why Shineforth: “As a Richmond native, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community that nurtured me. Shineforth embodies the values of empowerment, compassion, and resilience, and I believe wholeheartedly in this mission to be an unwavering champion for youth and families. The dedication of the staff, volunteers, and community partners inspires me every day, and I am honored to play a role in fostering meaningful connections that create lasting change for our community.”

Reach out to me for: Volunteer opportunities, or to explore how your community organization, church, small group, sorority, or anyone you know can get involved to support the Shineforth mission.