The AI Advantage: Powering the Future of Smarter Giving
We’re excited to host an in-person panel discussion on The AI Advantage: Powering the Future of Smarter Giving.
Join us on April 8, 2026, for this dynamic breakfast event exploring the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Designed to spark meaningful conversations, this gathering combines intentional networking with a moderated panel discussion featuring leaders who bring diverse perspectives from both within and beyond the fundraising sector. Our goal is to convene voices that can speak to the opportunities, challenges, and real-world applications of AI — helping fundraisers and nonprofit professionals navigate technology with confidence, curiosity, and inclusion.
Purchase your tickets today — discounts available for AFP members!
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Creekside Community Recreation Centre (1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC)
Morning refreshments will be served.
This event is officially approved for 1.5 CFRE Continuing Education points.
Meet the Speakers
We’re excited to introduce our lineup of speakers, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight:
Panel Moderator: Mel Greene – Founder and AI Strategist at Mel Greene Consulting
Panelist: Charly Jarrett – Associate Director, Integrated Fundraising and Innovation at Public Outreach
Panelist: Darren Rayner – Head of Creative & Founder at Magnafire Media
Panelist: Meena Das – CEO at Namaste Data and Founder of the AI Equity Project
Charly Jarrett (she/her)
Panel Speaker
Charly Jarrett is the Associate Director, Integrated Fundraising and Innovation at Public Outreach. She is a nonprofit digital strategist and consultant with over 15 years of experience advancing fundraising, advocacy, and engagement in the nonprofit sector. Her expertise includes emerging technologies, campaign storytelling, and behavioral science, with a focus on acquisition, retention, and donor motivation.
Jarrett has become a respected voice in the sector, presenting at national and international conferences. She aspires daily to help nonprofit teams turn digital complexity into clarity, ensuring strategies are both human-centered and data-informed.
While a strong advocate for automation and emerging tools, Jarrett emphasizes that it will always be the personal feeling connection with donors that drives long-term giving. Her work is grounded in the tenets of philanthropic psychology: identity, wellbeing, and belonging. She consistently applies these principles to build donor experiences that are emotionally resonant and measurable in impact.
Her vision for nonprofits is clear: modern, efficient, and technologically adept organizations that never lose their essential human touch.
Darren Rayner (he/him)
Panel Speaker
Darren Rayner is the founder of Magnafire, a creative content studio that specializes in scalable video production for brands in the sports, outdoor, and wellness industries.
Drawing from his background as a filmmaker and his experience co-founding the grassroots brand Voleurz, Darren has earned a reputation for crafting bold, impactful content that resonates across platforms.
He’s also a keynote speaker, social media consultant, and film festival judge, regularly sharing insights on content strategy, brand storytelling, and the evolving role of video in culture.
With a deep passion for storytelling and a talent for turning ideas into entertainment, Darren leads Magnafire in helping marketers amplify their brand through creative and authentic campaigns.
To date, Darren and the team at Magnafire have produced over 12,000 pieces of content for global brands including Red Bull, lululemon, Arc’teryx, Mazda, ESPN, Coors Light, Microsoft, and Oakley.
Meenakshi Das (she/her)
Panel Speaker
Meena Das is the CEO of Namaste Data and founder of the AI Equity Project. She helps nonprofits protect trust while they modernize—by asking better questions, collecting data responsibly, and using AI in ways that reduce burnout (not deepen it). She designs data collection tools, AI assessments, and AI equity workshops for teams.
Mel Greene (she/her)
Panel Moderator
Mel Greene is a strategic business and growth AI leader and coach with 15+ years of experience driving growth, leading teams, and scaling operations across digital, brand, and customer-focused businesses.
She has worked at the intersection of strategy, marketing, and operations, guiding cross-functional teams, launching new initiatives, and helping businesses grow across B2C, B2B and DTC environments.
Currently a Director at BrainStation where she specializes in bridging the gap between business goals and digital innovation. She has also taught digital marketing, blending hands-on execution with big-picture thinking. What sets her apart is a unique mix of creative, technical and commercial expertise: she has built brands, launched products, led teams, and taught others to do the same. She is passionate about connecting strategy, customer experience, and operational excellence to drive lasting business impact while helping people achieve their goals.