Meet Our Speakers
& Session Leaders
- Fireside Chat Hosts -
From left: Liz Marafino Fiola MA, MS, CFRE, AFP-GPC President & Senior Major Gift Officer at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law; Denise Soto, MS, CFRE, Chief Development & Communications Officer at Oaks Integrated Care; Samantha Hong, AFP-GPC IDEA Committee Co-chair & Associate Director of Development, New Leash on Life USA; Javon Robinson, MPA, AFP-GPC IDEA Committee Co-chair & Senior Manager, Individual Giving at City Year.
Liz Marafino Fiola, MA, MS, CFRE
Liz Marafino Fiola, CFRE, serves as Senior Major Gift Officer at Villanova University's Charles Widger School of Law, where she partners with donors to create deep and transformational impact for the school and it's students. With a career grounded in relationship-centered philanthropy, Liz brings both strategic depth and a genuine passion for connecting donors to the things they care most about. In addition to her work at Villanova, Liz serves as President of the AFP Greater Philadelphia Chapter, where she is committed to advancing the professional development, ethical practice, and collective voice of fundraisers across the region. Liz is honored to guide today's keynote conversation, bringing together perspectives that sit at the heart of our field's most pressing opportunities.
Denise Soto, MS, CFRE
Denise Soto serves as Chief Development and Communications Officer at Oaks Integrated Care, where she leads fundraising, marketing, communications, and public relations efforts. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Denise specializes in strategic fundraising, donor and volunteer engagement, board development, relationship building, and creating meaningful community partnerships that advance mission-driven impact. She has successfully led fundraising initiatives, events, and engagement strategies that strengthen organizational growth and sustainability. Denise holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management and earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2022. She values ongoing professional development and actively serves in volunteer leadership roles, including as IDEA Chair for the AFP Southern NJ Chapter.
Samantha Hong
Sam is a fundraiser with 2 years of professional experience. After beginning in healthcare fundraising as a Development Coordinator, she now serves as Associate Director of Development at New Leash on Life USA. Sam is honored to support an organization that fiercely and uniquely addresses shelter overcrowding and recidivism through connection and transformative programming. Sam's “fundraising journey” began as a college student, leading the Phonathon program and assisting the conclusion of a $128.6 million campaign. With degrees in biology/sociology and organizational leadership, Sam leaned into a career in fundraising to honor her passion for storytelling, relationship-building, and community-driven impact. As a 2025 AFP-GPC IDEA Fellow, Sam found a welcoming community that has shaped her growth through invaluable mentorship, opportunities, and the network that championed her to her current role. She remains deeply grateful for the support and encouragement of AFP-GPC. Outside of work, Sam enjoys serving on Juniata College's Alumni Council, singing with the Bucks County Choral Society, running, and pickleball.
Javon Robinson, MPA
Javon Robinson is a nonprofit fundraising professional with ten years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations. She currently serves as Senior Manager of Individual Giving at City Year Philadelphia, where she manages mid-level donor engagement and fundraising initiatives that support students' academic success across Philadelphia and Norristown. Throughout her career, Javon has helped organizations strengthen their philanthropic efforts and cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and community supporters. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about paying it forward and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities to thrive. She is a proud AmeriCorps alumna of NYC Service's Civic Corps program, where she worked to increase volunteer capacity across New York City's five boroughs. In addition to her professional role, Javon serves as Co-Chair of AFP-GPC's IDEA Committee and is a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee. She earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Pace University and a Master of Public Administration from New York University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, making memories with her baby daughter, Maya, and listening to her favorite podcasts.
