Apra-IL Presents 20 Questions with ... Julie Fregetto

Based on the 73 Questions series produced by Vogue, Apra-IL presents a series of 20 questions to members and the board. We're excited for you to learn more about your leadership and fellow members in this series of 20 rapid-fire questions. 

Julie Fregetto serves as the Director for Prospect Development at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She joined the ELCA in 2013 as one of the team members to help launch the organization’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, Always Being Made New: Campaign for the ELCA. On June 30, 2019, the church announced the successful completion of the campaign, raising just over $250 million in current and planned gifts.

Before joining the ELCA, Julie served as Senior Associate for a philanthropic consulting company in Chicago and worked for the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration in the Development Office. She completed her Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University and received a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing from West Virginia Wesleyan College. As part of her professional development, she serves as the Treasurer of the Apra-Illinois Board and, most recently, completed the ELCA Leadership Development Program. Julie enjoys traveling, coaching her son’s soccer team, and volunteering in her community.

1. What in Prospect Development fascinates you?

The fact that we can utilize technology and science to do good in the world and change people’s lives.

2. How do you manage the stress of working with people who do not understand the importance of your role?

Just as we suggest front-line fundraisers remain patiently persistent in working with donors, so too should we as prospect development professionals. It may take time for some people to see the importance of what we do, but the process does work and that will shine through.

3. If the annual Apra International conference could be anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?

London

4. What is something on your desk that helps you be the most productive?

Inspirational quotes

5. If you were not in Prospect Research, what career would you have?

Sports management

6. What is a super power that you use often at work?

Telepathy

7. If you could tell your 15-year-old self about your job, what would you say?

There is a job waiting for you that will empower you to give back in this world while finding joy and a sense of purpose … no need to worry so much about what is to come!

8. How do you explain your role to people outside of Development?

I don’t … they get a bit freaked. I usually tell them I work with fundraising databases and analyze information.

9. What is one misconception about working in Prospect Development?

We are to blame for everything.

10. What is one thing Apra has done for you?

Given me confidence, opportunity, and a vision for what can be.

11. Are you an early bird or night owl?

Night owl

12. What book are you reading right now?

The Last Temptation of Rick Pitino: A Story of Corruption, Scandal, and the Big Business of College Basketball by Michael Sokolove

13. Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

14. Currently, what is your favorite restaurant in your city?

Via Roma – I love Italian food!

15. What is your favorite social platform to connect with people?

I wouldn’t say there is a favorite, but I typically check Facebook to keep updated on what my family and friends are doing and sharing. WhatsApp is a social platform that I use and like a lot to communicate with my sister who is an international school teacher.

16. What is the last movie you watched?

Revenge of the Nerds. Haha!

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

This is cliché, but my grandpas. They both passed away before I was born, but I have heard so many stories about them.

18. Are you a Chicago-native? If not, where do you call home?

I am a Des Plaines, IL native and live just five blocks from my childhood home. Some would say I’m a homebody.

19. What is your must-have snack while in the office?

It used to be M&M's, but these days a piece of fruit is the goal.

20. Who or what inspires you?

At work, my colleagues and our donors inspire me.