Since we have a brand new board, we've decided to resurrect this series so you can get to know us a little better. Today's post is with Teresa Liu, Associate Director, Prospect Management at the Art Institute of Chicago and Apra-IL's Treasurer.

1. What is the superpower that you use often at work? 
   
   I always do a quick search for donors on Facebook and Instagram– you’d be surprise at what hidden gems are on social media, and this info rarely shows up in Google search.I love how social media is primarily self-reported info, so it often reflects the prospect’s identity, values, and what they are passionate about.It also is helpful for confirming any family/spousal relationships.
   
   

2. What is one thing Apra has done for you? 
   
   Apra has connected me with an amazing, supportive network of prospect development professionals. We’re in such a niche industry, so it’s fun to meet others doing similar work and to talk about our successes and challenges on the job. 
   
   

3. If the annual Apra International conference could be anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?
   
   Italy! I can never get enough of Italy. And those networking receptions would have the best spread. 
   
   

4. How do you explain your role to people outside of Development?
   
   In the simplest of terms, I like to say I’m a donor matchmaker. 
   
   

5. If you were not in Prospect Research, what career would you have? 
   
   In another life, I’d want to pursue a career in architecture or interior design.I love the merger between creativity, beauty, and functionality.
   
   

6. If you could tell your 15-year-old self about your job, what would you say? 
   
   You’re going to spend many hours doing deep dives into wealthy people’s assets and their general whereabouts. It sounds a bit strange, but yes, this is a real job and it’s quite fun! 
   
   

7. Why did you join the Apra-Illinois board? 
   
   I joined the board to give back to the Apra-IL community. I wanted to help the board think of ways to engage our chapter and offer opportunities for connection. 
   
   

8. Why do you think Apra-Illinois and all of the local Apra chapters matter?
   
   Local Apra chapters are incredibly helpful for prospect development professionals early on in their career; it’s a space where they can grow, ask questions, and learn about job opportunities in the area.  
   
   

9. What is your #1 productivity tip? 
   
   I’m a big fan of using the urgent/important matrix (also called the Eisenhower Matrix). With every task at hand, I weigh out its level of urgency and importance. And from there, I decide on how to prioritize. 
   
   

10. Best advice ever received? 
    
    If you don’t like a situation, then either do something actionable to change it or don’t complain about it.Back at my first job out of college, I saw this written on a sticky note on my mentor’s desk. My mentor was the hardest working (and most productive) colleague on my team. I still think about this piece of wisdom today.
    
    

11. If you wrote a book about prospect development what would it be called? 
    
    The Prospect Researcher’s Guide to the Galaxy: Find Your Rising Stars 
    
    

12. If you wrote a memoir on your life, what would it be called? 
    
    Running Late, But I’m On My Way!
    
    

13. What book are you reading right now? 
    
    The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin. It’s a sci-fi novel about a character whose dreams unintentionally alter the past and present.  
    
    

14. Currently, what is your favorite restaurant in your city? 
    
    This is a tough one. My husband used to be a cook, so our list of favorite Chicago restaurants is quite long and always changing. But at the moment, I’ll say Monteverde for date night and EggHolic for Indian takeout. 
    
    

15. What is your favorite social platform to connect with people? 
    
    I’m a millennial, so, Instagram of course! 
    
    

16. What is the last movie you watched? 
    
    Women Talking. I highly recommend it. It’s a powerful story of nonviolent protest by a community of women. 
    
    

17. If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be? 
    
    My grandma. 
    
    

18. What is your hobby? 
    
    I love rock climbing, both indoors and outdoors. It’s a great way to tune out and focus on “problem solving” in a completely different way than my 9-to-5.  
    
    

19. Are you a texter or a caller? 
    
    Both. But I’ll always make an effort to check-in with my friends & family over the phone. 
    
    

20. Who or what inspires you? 
    
    My mother. She is the most selfless, kind-hearted woman I know. She immigrated to the US from Taiwan in the late 70s. She never takes things for granted and has taught me to cherish the simple things in life. She has also always encouraged me to value internal beauty, from the heart, and to not be afraid to gain a few pounds of good fat (spoken like a true Asian immigrant mother).